Dear LFTP: the gym 'that's disgusting' incident
- Should Luke apologize to the sweating gym man after loudly saying 'that's disgusting'?
A host reads a letter: at the gym, the writer's boyfriend Luke loudly said 'that's disgusting' about a profusely sweating man on a treadmill; Luke feels awful and wants to apologize, but fears explaining if the man didn't hear. The hosts' consensus: let sleeping dogs lie - if he didn't bring it up, don't introduce awkwardness - but befriend the man and never do it again. 'Secular' says Luke was out of line but should let it go or risk further embarrassing the man.
More on Kindness
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Dear LFTP: friends who want online reviews of a dishonest book and a bad CD
- How do I handle friends' requests for online reviews of a dishonest book and a bad CD?
A listener is asked to review a friend's divorce book that gossips untruthfully about her ex (hiding that she committed the adultery) and a friend's music CD she can't enjoy.
From No. 468 · Turned Over Not Over
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Dear LFTP: Hank and the boundaries of a kindness
- Does offering a friend rides obligate you to unlimited extra stops, and how do you set limits without ruining the friendship?
A listener writes about Hank, a friend of 35 years whose vehicle was totaled three months ago: they drive him grocery shopping and he keeps adding unasked-for stops, turning quick trips into marathon excursions, and their patience is wearing thin.
From No. 389 · Impeachment and the Pat Brigade
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Dear LFTP: workplace greeting etiquette
- Who should greet whom first when a coworker arrives at the workplace?
The hosts take a listener question on who should greet whom first when a coworker arrives at work. They debate "the interrupter acknowledges" theory vs. simply being normal and…
From No. 294 · The Permanent ESV
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Dear LFTP: the unwanted monologue on public transit
- How do I politely tell a stranger on public transit that I would rather be left alone?
A listener writes that commuters trap him in forty-five-minute monologues despite his earbuds and book, asking how to politely signal he wants to be left alone.
From No. 200 · Silversyde