My kid has a much beloved playdate buddy. Problem is; playdate buddy's mom is a drunk. A clingy, needy, whining, status-symbol addicted, country-club, drunk. I wouldn't mind if she was a fun drunk, or if she only drank after her husband got home, or if she didn't call me and want to come over when she was drunk...but suddenly, I've got this drunken crazy woman in my sphere. I don't much care for her, but our kids adore each other. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 21, 2009 - 43 answers

I'm a nanny for a woman who's been unemployed for 2.5 months and is now depressed. The means she is a) home ALL THE TIME, and b) driving me absolutely crazy. What, if anything, can I say? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 26, 2009 - 24 answers

I just started a long-term medication (bupropion, for ADD) that interacts very, very badly with alcohol. I don't miss the booze itself, but not being able to drink throws all sorts of monkey wrenches into my social life. I need advice on how to be a non-drinker in the drinkingest town in the United States, New York City... where the default activity for any occaision is going out for a drink. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 17, 2009 - 41 answers

I could use some help figuring out how to phrase a request that my boyfriend give his bedding a spin in the laundry. We're pretty newly minted, and I understand the need for tact here, but I am blanking on the best way to say this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Feb 18, 2009 - 52 answers

Is there ever a tactful way to let someone know you don't want to be friends? What to do in an instance of hurt feelings. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 24, 2008 - 25 answers

How do I go about getting a raise my boss promised me before he was fired? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 26, 2008 - 4 answers

How do I tactfully avoid having to accompany people to the casket at a family member's funeral? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 6, 2007 - 17 answers

How do I conduct myself at an important family function in a church I left on a sour note? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 29, 2007 - 26 answers