Author: Susan Murphy

Happy Holidays? Dear Aunt Bossy, The holidays are headed our way, and I’€™m not happy about it. I hate the pressure to be happy, cook specific things, buy presents and decorate. What do you recommend? Scrooge

Saving the Date Dear Aunt Bossy, Someone recommended I use the Proust Questionnaire as a way to make conversation on a first date. Do you know what that is, and what do you think? Wondering

How To Discuss Politics (if you must)Dear Aunt Bossy,I was hoping that after the election, all the arguing would settle down, but I think it is getting worse. I always feel very frustrated when I am trying to explain how I see an issue or problem. What advice can you give me so I have a better chance of convincing people of things? Sincerely, Lottie

Dear Aunt Bossy, I’€™m a male and a Senior in High School. I’€™m smart and look ok. I have good manners and dress nicely, but am not rich or trendy. I work part-time at the grocery store. Next year, I am going away to college, and want to be a different person. I’€™m sort of nerdy, and am not good at small talk, especially with girls. The only thing I have going for me is that I am at the top of my class and gifted in music. I can’€™t compete with those stud types who do sports and know what to say all the time.

Good Lord! Dear Aunt Bossy, I am a loving and caring person, but find myself feeling angry and hateful when I visit my mother. No matter what I say to her, she just can’€™t accept that she is brainwashed by Catholicism. I was raised a Catholic, but realized in my late teens how destructive religion is for people.

A Spoonful of Sugar Doesn’t Work Here Dear Aunt Bossy, I am having some serious health issues and have had to see some specialists. My internist is a concierge doctor and could not be more competent and caring, but I am running into such rude and uncaring people in other medical offices.

Awkward Situations, great and small Dear Aunt Bossy, I am very awkward in many social situations, but the one that throws me the most is the death of a friend or acquaintance. I never know what to say or do, and I always feel superficial or banal.

Grand Gifts & Facebook FunDear Aunt Bossy, I am at my wit’s end over gifts for my grandchildren. They need nothing material, and I don’t want to add to the clutter in their house. On the other hand, I do want to celebrate their birthdays and holidays. What should I do? Loving Grandma

Staying Up When You’ve Only Got Down Dear Aunt Bossy, My daughter has Down Syndrome. She is high functioning and has been a delight to our family since she was born.             Our problem is the public, and some of my friends. When people see her, or talk to me when she is with me, they treat her like an infant or a dog, or someone who couldn’t possibly understand language. They baby talk, or talk loud and slow, or pat her on the head.

Better than Real Life: A Movie Dear Aunt Bossy, I just saw you at the Beaufort International Film Festival and wanted to know what you thought of what you saw there. Celluloid Sarah