Asking for a Friend category
Asking for a Friend: Should I talk to my child’s coach about playing time?
Q: My son’s soccer coach only plays the best players and hardly ever gives playing time to my son. He isn’t a top athlete, but he’s also not that bad. What’s the best way to approach the coach about this? Or should I stay totally out of it? Asking for...
Asking for a Friend: How do I deal with a friend who is always late?
Q: I have a friend who is always late — whether it’s dinner, lunch, or even major events. How do I tell her this is unacceptable? Asking for a friend, Joy in Hempfield A: Consistently showing up late isn’t just annoying — it’s disrespectful of your time. The best approach...
Asking for a Friend: Are flip flops OK to wear to the office?
Q: A coworker keeps showing up in flip flops — and I’m not sure what’s more unprofessional, the footwear or the fact that I have to see their toes while trying to get my work done. Flip flops just feel too casual (and kind of gross) for the workplace. Is...
Asking for a Friend: How many cats are too many?
Q: My one co-worker has seven cats and quite frankly, she’s not financially stable. A few weeks ago, she started a GoFundMe for one of her cats who needed surgery for bladder stones. Is it me or are these fundraisers for pets becoming more common (and annoying)? And while we’re...
Asking for a Friend: How should I respond to a comment on my appearance?
Q: A colleague greeted me the other morning with, “You don’t look good today,” implying I looked sick or unwell. I was just tired — and frankly, I found the comment to be very rude. What could I have said in response that was both appropriate and, ideally, a bit...
Asking for a Friend: How do I navigate someone not acknowledging a gift I know was received?
Q: An out-of-town relative recently had a baby and I sent her a gift through Amazon. I know it was delivered because I received a confirmation email, with a photo of the package on their front porch. It’s been a few months and I have yet to receive a thank...
Asking for a Friend: To ask, or not to ask, about Ozempic use?
Q: I noticed that my co-worker, who sits in the cubicle next to mine, has been losing weight over the last few months. My guess is that she’s lost at least 20 lbs. Since it seems like everyone is on Ozempic, is it OK if I ask her if she’s...
Trib introduces ‘Asking for a Friend,’ a column for navigating life’s everyday quandaries
The Trib is launching “Asking for a Friend,” a column that tackles life’s little conundrums before they snowball into full-blown crises. Whether you’re unsure about whether to text back or how to gracefully handle a house guest who won’t leave, we’ve got you covered with advice that’s both practical and,...
