My brother left for Rome, Italy on Monday to do a summer job for a lab there and we (his friends and family) still haven't had any contact from him.
I'm worried that something might have happened to him and his wife and kids are worried sick. Is there any good routes to trying to find him in case he's been in an accident?
I don't have the name of the lab he's working for or I'd just call them :(
posted by Ikazuchi
on May 15, 2013 -
20 answers
My sister with whom I have a strained relationship is having her baby shower on Sunday (yes, Mother's Day) for her baby due in July. I was not super-excited about going, and then my other sister called to say she's not going, and did I want to get together & do something. I do, but I don't know how to decline the invite from the other sister.
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posted by epersonae
on May 8, 2013 -
56 answers
It's been a few months after my
fiance proposed and he made plans to move in with me and my 15-year-old son this summer.
As predicted, my son began acting up, basically in the form of talking back and being a little rude to me in front of the fiance, who comes here every weekend. It's important to note my son does not act this way when it's the 2 of us and I completely understand what's going on and we're talking to someone.
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posted by kinetic
on Apr 27, 2013 -
26 answers
How do you explain to your mother-in-law that you don't want some of her family around? Trigger Warning: abuse.
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posted by msladygrey
on Apr 18, 2013 -
23 answers
My distant sibling, diagnosed with bipolar some time ago (I don't know any solid details, unfortunately), fell out of touch with me for years. Now he's back in touch, but mostly just to drop dramatic texts on me ("I'm at the hospital", or, tonight, "I'm with the police, I'll call you when I'm released") and then not answer my increasingly plaintive texts or phone calls.
I haven't been the prime target of this sort of thing before, what seems to be big swings of mental illness with the hospital and sheriffs and police involved, and the person involved giving me a bit of information but then nothing. Can anyone with more experience give me some advice as to ways I might handle it?
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posted by theatro
on Apr 7, 2013 -
13 answers
I wrote
this question about my Aunt. As it turned out, I just wrote back a very polite reply -- "thank you for your good wishes" ...I was polite. I felt good about this. Thank you for all the helpful answers.
My Aunt wrote me again -- long story inside. Thank you for taking the time to read it.
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posted by Lescha
on Mar 26, 2013 -
26 answers
Can signing an 'Authorization For Cremation' form somehow make me responsible for my deceased father's debt?
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posted by KevinSkomsvold
on Mar 25, 2013 -
15 answers
My older brother (in his 50s) posted something on FB regarding the Steubenville rape case, which was:
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posted by HopperFan
on Mar 17, 2013 -
52 answers
My baby brother moved to London yesterday and I'm sadder than sad. We're really close and he lived a couple of minutes from me so we hung out a lot. I'm going to miss him so much and it'll take me a while to accept that he's a flight away, and I can't just randomly drop in on him, hear his little hello, and settle down for a few hours of putting the world to rights. My usual way of dealing with sadness is not very productive - namely substances of varying degrees of legality, and chocolate. Help me make a list of positive things I can do to lift me out of the little pool of tears I'm in. He's left me one of his guitars - which was mine about 20 years ago - and I'm determined to learn it this time. Any other suggestions? Thanks.
posted by billiebee
on Mar 3, 2013 -
7 answers
Background: When my father learned I was gay, he disowned me. Think radical old-world "you are dead to me." This was many years ago -- well over a decade. He was very serious and cut off all contact with me. Made it clear I was out of the will and all of that -- very dramatic. I did try to initiate contact a few times many years ago, but was rebuffed. This is not what my question is about though -- I am at peace with this. I know I am a worthwhile and lovable person and I have many people in my life who care about me/love me. I had therapy when all this happened and I really feel I dealt with the emotions then. I know I am lovable and valuable person. Also, my relatives on my late Mother's side -- who are also quite old-world -- surprised me with their acceptance...
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posted by Lescha
on Feb 22, 2013 -
14 answers
My husband just got laid off from his position today. It's with a large company and he had excellent reviews but their revenue stream has not been up to par. They told him his position has been eliminated. However, he is welcome to reapply if and when blah, blah, blah... My concern is what is the right way to help him. He has never been laid off before and for the most part never thought this could happen. He is very optimistic by nature. He does seem a little shell shocked. My job is not going to be able to support our family. What are the first things we should do? I am also concerned about his mental well being and being a supportive partner while he looks for a new job. To make matters worse (or whatever) we have one in college, one applying to colleges, one getting ready to apply, and one freshman in high school.
posted by lasamana
on Feb 22, 2013 -
25 answers
I know every family is different, however I'd like to know what people consider to be a healthy idynamic between a grown (41 years) adult living at home and their parents and what would be considered unhealthy.
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posted by Ranting Prophet of DOOM!
on Feb 9, 2013 -
31 answers
I have a good scan of the group photo from my grandparents wedding. I know who several of the people are in the photo, and I know that all my grandmother's eight brothers are in the group, but I do not know which brother is which. My Dad has made his best guesses, but he's not sure about many of them. I have recently made contact with several second cousins in the family while doing my genealogical research, so I thought I could get each of them to give me their best guesses in some sort of online survey, and compile the answers to get a sort of family crowd-sourced opinion. But how best to do this?
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posted by Joh
on Feb 3, 2013 -
8 answers
What can I do, as a mid-twenties female, to ensure my reproductive organs will be as healthy as possible by the time I want kids? There is also history of problems in my family.
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posted by ramenopres
on Feb 3, 2013 -
19 answers
My friend is a very nice person and married to her husband three years ago. They got along well with each other. And then they had a baby two years ago. So this family looks like a happy family at first glance.
But problem came gradually, when her husband beat her several times without reasons. They quarreled even with very tiny and trivial controversies, followed with beats. Then she tries not to quarrel with him or confront him, but the same happens.
There were two times that she called police and he was forced to leave the family for a period of time. Now the same thing happen.
As a friend, what kind of comforts and suggestions should I give my friend for her best interests?
posted by caladesi
on Feb 2, 2013 -
19 answers
My weekend is overbooked to the tune of family vs. work. Help me figure out how to tell my very difficult boss about this the right way.
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posted by chatelaine
on Jan 29, 2013 -
12 answers
My two sisters and I were equal beneficiaries in a realty trust. This past year, my older sister bought my 1/3 share (as well as that of my sister.) According to the legal documents, it was a "transfer of beneficial interest". Other than signing and notarizing the documents to transfer the real estate share, nothing else official occurred and my sister just paid us our fair share of the assessed market value. She is not planning on reporting the transaction. I have no idea if I owe taxes on the money I've received (and will also be receiving this year - it was divided into a few payments) and if so, what kind of tax that might be.
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posted by nekton
on Jan 24, 2013 -
10 answers
Brother-in-law wants a loan to start a home-based business. Please evaluate if his plan seems profitable?
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posted by 99percentfake
on Dec 26, 2012 -
35 answers
A couple of weeks ago, I moved out of my marital home (details in my posting history). Whilst I seem to be doing okay, most people expect me to not be. In fact, they seem to expect a fragility and sadness from me that I'm not feeling even remotely. This has lead to some judgements from people that I could have done without.
How can I navigate the sympathy of folks during the holiday season without having to pretend to be an emotional mess (which I'm not) and without suffering judgement from people who don't know the whole story (Which I can happily live without).
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posted by six sided sock
on Dec 22, 2012 -
27 answers
How do I deal with the stress and drama caused by my emotionally manipulative live-in sister? The emotional welfare of her two young children is also at stake. Special snowflake details inside.
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posted by BrianJ
on Dec 3, 2012 -
18 answers
[Xmas gift filter] My mother wants to know what I want for Xmas. I am out of ideas - and there are a few issues regarding shopping & shipping.
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posted by kariebookish
on Nov 28, 2012 -
25 answers
After posting
this question, I asked out a guy that I was interested in. It's going pretty great, except that my friends won't leave me the hell alone about it, and I want to think about something else!
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posted by windykites
on Nov 25, 2012 -
8 answers
I'm almost nocturnal but feel almost guilty about it, and don't see it working out in the long run with a family even though it is the perfect set-up for me right now while I'm on my own still. Definitely want a family, though... Any advice or similar situations solved or coped with?
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posted by dubadubowbow
on Nov 18, 2012 -
27 answers
My brother is going to prison in December, possibly for a decade or more. What can I do for him, both emotionally and practically?
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posted by gregoryg
on Nov 14, 2012 -
19 answers
My family's Thanksgiving has been hijacked by unwanted guests. Please help with etiquette so we're all happy.
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posted by Cloudberry Sky
on Nov 11, 2012 -
74 answers
I'm looking at renting a cottage around Ottawa from just before Christmas to just before New Year's Day--Dec 22-29, give or take a day. I don't know the area at all, and haven't the faintest idea where to start. Help?
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posted by Decimask
on Nov 6, 2012 -
3 answers
Deeply in love with someone who I'm pretty sure is a keeper. His family is warm & welcoming to me. My family hasn't lifted a finger to make him feel welcome. I'm humiliated. Help.
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posted by deliciae
on Oct 24, 2012 -
27 answers
I have one daughter, she is 5.5. We always planned on having 3 children, but spacing turned into fertility issues turned into daughter will likely be 8 by the time we actually manage to have another offspring. Help me figure out the various pros/cons of having 2 more kids v. having 1 more kid/adopting a school age kid/ having 1 more kid/ leaving well enough alone.
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posted by dadici
on Oct 15, 2012 -
33 answers
I work on a small office, my stepson also works there. He is bright but for some reason his performance is poor, he makes a lot of mistakes that costs money, and doesn't care about the job at all. The office manager told me today that they don't let him go because they hope my stepson will find another job soon and leave (he just finish a MBA) but asked me not to tell anyone. The problem is that I don't think he is looking for another job. I don't want to involve my husband. I think my stepson has a great opportunity of looking for job while he has this one. What would be the best way to get him to know it without breaking my promise of not telling anyone? Thanks!
posted by 3dd
on Sep 25, 2012 -
19 answers
Please recommend devices/tools/strategies to help my mom—who has mild dementia—remember not to remove the oxygen she is now required to wear 24/7 for COPD. Longer story inside...
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posted by JuniorBCat
on Sep 13, 2012 -
12 answers
A problem that isn't one but still is: my partner and I are planning on getting married next fall. YAAAY! But I feel like I'm getting made fun of constantly by my sister for it...
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posted by PuppetMcSockerson
on Sep 11, 2012 -
45 answers
Can you help me improve my relationship with my grandparents? They recently moved across the country to be closer to family (my parents, my sister and me + husband). We've grown apart since I transitioned from child to adult (which I think is fairly normal) and I was looking forward to having them in the same city to get closer again. This is turning out to be more difficult than originally premised. Special snowflake details within.
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posted by pallas14
on Sep 3, 2012 -
25 answers
A little more than a month ago, I started a full-time telecommuting job that I thought was my dream job. When I took it, I was working part-time (and had been since my son was born two years ago). This is my first full-time job since becoming a mom. I now think I made a big mistake.
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posted by trillian
on Aug 14, 2012 -
21 answers
How can I be polite and yet shut down conversations about my weight loss at an upcoming family gathering?
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posted by purple_bird
on Aug 10, 2012 -
22 answers
My father and stepmother have rejected my son, after I placed him in an Open Adoption following his birth earlier this year. How do I deal with important family events where both parties would be welcome and invited? Snowflake details within.
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posted by erasorhed
on Aug 6, 2012 -
21 answers
My estranged father passed away last Sunday. I've decided to attend the funeral. Please help me conduct myself with something resembling grace. Overly complex snowflakey stuff inside.
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posted by Ephelump Jockey
on Jul 31, 2012 -
23 answers
My father in law is bipolar and self-medicating with alcohol. He is the sole carer for my house-bound mother in law. They live 5 hours’ drive away and they resist efforts to help them. How do I best cope with him? How do I practically help them both? Long and painful story below the cut.
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posted by little-egglplant
on Jul 16, 2012 -
9 answers
Husband's family is coming to town, yay! They're asking if we can put them up for a week, eek! Small home, two bedrooms, four adults, three children. I'm an introvert and homebody in the extreme; have anxiety and, lately, irritability issues; and I don't know if or how I can cope with this. Help me make this possible.
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posted by Eolienne
on Jul 9, 2012 -
23 answers
I wasn't invited to my boyfriend's family function, and I can't seem to get over it. Help me.
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posted by quodlibet
on Jul 5, 2012 -
35 answers
Please suggest bike routes in New England that meet some specific criteria. We took our son on a section of the East Bay Bike Path near Providence for his first bike ride last week and he loved it. He sits in an
iBert on Mom's bike. We are looking for similar routes. In looking for similar I articulate what specifically I think is good about this path for us in the extended explanation. We can ride weekdays in addition to weekends. Thanks.
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posted by safetyfork
on Jun 25, 2012 -
11 answers
Asking for my Mom: how does a non-smoker who has a severe allergic reaction to cigarette smoke mitigate the effects at a social event when they are outnumbered 6:2?
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posted by katemcd
on Jun 16, 2012 -
29 answers
I find myself having an extra car and a close friend who needs one. Difficulty: I promised to not sell this car.
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posted by snsranch
on Jun 10, 2012 -
23 answers
