Good fences continue to make good neighbors, metaphorically and literally.
Category: boundaries
#1330: “I don’t want this friend as a roommate or a summer houseguest, but my sibling and I sort of already agreed.”
People who won't take 'no' for an answer often present the risk as you being seen as mean or selfish when you don't do what they want, when really, it's that if you don't say 'no' you have to put up with them in your personal space. Re-balance your risk assessments, friend!
#1329: “Is this ever going to work out in my favor?”
When someone says "I don't have romantic feelings for you," take them at their word.
#1327: “My best friend’s other best friend is The Worst. How do I free myself without losing my friend?”
Sometimes when you stop trying to make yourself like someone, it's easier to keep the peace at parties.
#1325-26: Confidential To The Married Couple Who Both Wrote To Me About Your Disintegrating Marriage
Two spouses wrote to me and I don't want to post the letters full of painful details but I also could not leave it alone.
#1324: “I moved out of a terrible roommate situation two years ago, but our mutuals won’t stop trying to ‘make peace.'”
"I hated living with them so I moved the hell out. What is there to 'mediate?'"
#1322: “My friend’s (white female) roommate is a creepy creep.”
"Don't touch me" isn't complicated. You know who makes it complicated? CREEPS, THAT'S WHO.
#1320: “How to be fair to a co-habiting ex who dumped me, but is acting all sad that I’m moving out?”
"You dumped me, remember? Kindly sigh into someone else's moving boxes."
#1319: “How do I tell my booty call that his booty ruined my couch?”
Come for the poop jokes, or immediately hit the back button because of the poop jokes. Stay for the bad decisions and how to find the least worst path.
Crossover: Ask A(n Awkward) Manager
Sometimes Alison at Ask A Manager and I like to answer questions about workplace awkwardness together.
