Author: Susan Murphy

Regressed, Not RetiredDear Aunt Bossy, What is it with these retired people? I understand the ones who play golf all day, and those who dedicate the time they have earned to raise money or contribute to people in need. I get those who don’t really retire, but just work less, and those who take part time jobs. I even understand those who decide to sit in a chair and read all day, or go from cultural event to cultural event as if it were a marathon, or approach shopping like an Olympic event.

The Nasty News Carriers  Three questions on the same subject and a story…

Crippling Attitudes Dear Aunt Bossy, I have a friend who has a child who was born with a severe physical disability. I can’t imagine anything more painful because we want the best for our children. However, this friend has made her child’s handicap her claim to fame. It is all she talks about, and she has devoted much of her life to making sure her son is included in every activity, even if it means radically adjusting the activities of the other kids involved.

Take Two Dear Aunt Bossy, Long time reader, first time writer. I’m a third generation Beaufortonian and would normally go to my family and friends for advice, but presently I find myself alone in the crowd.

Multilevel MarauderDear Aunt Bossy, My brother has recently started selling a bunch of shakes, vitamins and fitness advice. It worked for him and he is obsessive about it.

All Present and Accounted For Dear Aunt Bossy, When I was being raised, my mother would never have brought a gift to a party or dinner at another’s house. She might have sent flowers the next day, or sent a bottle of champagne later, but that dear lady considered showing up with something to be tacky.

If You Should Ever Leave Me      Dear Aunt Bossy, The season is upon us; let the parties begin! That is the easy part. Ending them is the problem.

Note to Self     Dear Aunt Bossy, I have an old acquaintance who will never go out of her way for anyone unless there is something in it for her. Because she was my friend, I accepted this trait and ignored it. I can’t remember the details, but over the years I had asked her to do minor favors for me, and she didn’t, so I just forgot about it and knew better than to ask.