Dear LFTP: sister Laura and the suffering kids
- Should the letter writer stay out of his sister Laura's mess (cheating, four kids at grandma's) or step in for the sake of the nieces and nephews?
A letter about the writer's sister Laura: four kids with a 'deadbeat' boyfriend, living at their 57-year-old mother's house, cheating, and the mother venting to the writer. The hosts agree the writer must have a direct conversation with his sister, note the grandmother is being taken advantage of, and warn that calling DHS would be a no-win situation for the kids. Secular's answer says the nieces and nephews are safe and supervised by their grandmother, and that being imposed upon is sometimes what one is called to do. A host closes by defining love as choosing someone over yourself.
More on Boundaries
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Dear LFTP: the mother-in-law moved in
- My mother-in-law moved in seven months ago and it’s been difficult — how can we sort this out?
The last letter comes from a wife whose mother-in-law moved in seven months ago with no boundaries, rising bills, unpaid prescriptions, and open disrespect.
From No. 604 · Rearview Mirror
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Dear LFTP: Ralph calls three or four times a week
- How can I get my retired friend Ralph to call less frequently without being rude?
The letter: 'Ralph,' a longtime best friend, retired and is bored, so he calls three or four times a week 'even when there's nothing new to talk about,' rehashing the same things; subtle hints haven't worked; letting it go to voicemail just earns a callback request.
From No. 602 · Relationship Counseling
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Dear LFTP: the senior-living handshake letter, and the close
- How can a senior-living resident politely decline the dining-room manager's handshakes?
Mike reads the second Dear LFTP letter: a senior-living resident whose dining-room manager (Manny) shakes hands at residents' tables, and who dodges with wet or greasy hands — how to decline politely?
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Dear LFTP: the fiance who games until 5AM
- What should the letter-writer do about her fiance's all-night gaming habit?
Mike reads a Dear LFTP letter from a woman engaged five years to Dustin, who games from 10PM to 5AM, skips chores, and gives her no attention; talking has not helped since 'he grew up gaming.'
From No. 598 · Emphasis | Accountability, Worship and Praying with Strangers