Hey McGuinty! My husband recently moved out of the area for work, leaving me and our 1-year-old here for a few months until we find housing. I work full time and when I’m home I’m a full time mom, waking up at night to a crying baby, cooking, changing diapers and so on. I don’t even remember […]
advice
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Trouble on the Line
Hey McGuinty! My father and I used to be pretty close. We would talk on the phone every week about family, life, career and stuff going on in the world and in each other’s lives. This has changed in the last couple of years, and he’s kind of a douche lately. All he does is […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Just Good Friends
Hey McGuinty! I have a friend who is overweight and smokes constantly. I worry about this friend’s health, but can’t think of a way to express my concern without coming across as judgmental or patronizing. We both operate under a certain live-and-let live philosophy, so it would feel like a violation of some sort of […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Hide Me!
Hey McGuinty! My boyfriend is rather rough around the edges — more like jagged. He’s like this wild mountain guy with a crazy beard and an illegitimate income, if you know what I mean. He’s great and all — sweet, strong and attentive, and we have fun together. But I’m afraid we won’t ever be […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Dibs and Digs
Hey McGuinty! I recently ran into a business associate and discovered that she divorced her husband a year ago and has moved a few minutes from my house. She is totally amazing and someone I was attracted to immediately. It was obvious that she was attracted to me too, and she confided in me that […]
Posted inLetters + Opinion
Before You Stiff Your Server
1. Are you in America? You should tip. At least 15 percent, 20 percent if you’re civilized and financially comfortable enough. Can’t do math? There’s an app for that. 2. Did your server a.) spit in your food in front of you? b.) use a racist term in addressing you? c.) lean over and grab […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Everybody Relax
Hey McGuinty! I have several friends I’d like to have over for dinner to celebrate a big group achievement. One is vegetarian, one is gluten free due to celiac, one will eat anything and one is following the paleo diet. I’m completely lost as to what to serve. I want to accommodate everybody but can’t […]
Posted inLetters + Opinion
Before You Travel Internationally
1. The idea of traveling alone may intimidate you, and indeed you’ll find your wits, endurance and ability to maintain good humor tested. But flying solo offers benefits, too, on a soul level and on a practical one. You can ask yourself: Who am I when not responding to others? Am I the competent hero […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
That Accidentally Unfriended Thing? Still a Myth
Hey McGuinty! A year ago some friends deleted me from Facebook. I sent messages asking why and very awkward conversations followed. Recently I noticed another friend removed me from Instagram, and a week later, Facebook. How does one say, “Hey, you don’t like me anymore?” and still sound like an adult? So awkward. So humiliating. I wish […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Dogma, “Likes” and Antsy Love
Hey McGuinty! My sister and I have been rebuilding a friendship after a falling out. Recently we’ve been talking more and connecting on Facebook. She is amazing and I love her! Lately I’ve noticed lots of “extreme” posts that shocked me. I can see where she is coming from, but it made me think that […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Worst Facebook Share Ever?
Hey McGuinty! My 26-year-old son is handsome, brilliant, funny and soon to be a doctoral in clinical psychology. He has a great relationship with his ex, who is Cuban. They dog sit for each other, have lots of common friends, and when he’s sick she drops off Sprite and chicken soup. His current girlfriend says […]
Posted inLetters + Opinion
Five Things To Know Before Choosing Your Friends For the Day
1“Our friends are the family we choose,” goes the adage, solace for those whose friends compensate for less stellar blood relations. The key word is “choose.” Since we do have a choice in the matter, today and every day, choose wisely. As you sit down with your coffee and open Facebook or check your email, […]