Ask Amy: Friend’s alcoholism is out of control
Stop chastising her. Tell her that you love her and that you value the gift of her friendship, but that she has relapsed, and you are worried about her. (Relapse is extremely common).
She needs professional help and rehab, as well as your ongoing compassion. Offer to research options with her and encourage her to enter a program.
Dear Amy: I am blessed to have retired before the age of 50.
I am now in my mid-50s, and my life is great, but my in-laws think I should go back to work.
We had a fairly OK relationship before my retirement, but now when I am around them, they tell me I am too young to retire, and this has caused a disconnect in our relationship.
I didn't know there was an age requirement on retiring, as long as you are financially secure.
How can I respond to this?
– Enjoying Retirement
Dear Enjoying: I suggest you respond with a version of, “Aren’t you sweet?” before transitioning your in-laws away from you as the topic of conversation. One way to do this is to ask a question, “Do you remember how old your own parents were when they retired?”
They might say, “Our folks never retired!” which would give you some insight into their backstory and point of view.
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