Advice
Meredith Matthews
There’s no such thing as bad PR, damnit.
Dear Meredith,
Among other things (for instance, things that pay), I run a popular mommyblog. I get hit with a bunch of products to review practically every day because of it, and it’s totally fun. When there’s something I love, I’ll hype it up and promote it, because it really doesn’t take that much time out of my day, but I I’ll usually be rewarded with more free product. When I don’t like something I’m sent, I just ignore it.
This time, though, I have a problem. For a bunch of complicated and stupid reasons, I’m kind of compelled to review a particular book. Normally, this sort of thing isn’t that big of a deal, but this book is truly dreadful. I hate to say it’s awful, but it’s awful. I’m really not sure what to do with it. I need to say something, but I don’t want to put the bad PR out there for the book or the bad karma for myself either. Suggestions?
Signed,
Mommyblogger and More
Advice | Comments (2)Oh schadenfreude, oh schadenfreude, much pleasure do you bring me
Dear Lucy Advice,
My husband has a nephew who’s started coming to family functions this year. He’s in his 20s and has a history of theft, hard drug use, job loss and long periods without working. My husband usually gets along with everyone on the planet, but considers his nephew “scum” and is very bitter that he has stolen from his grandparents (my husband’s parents) repeatedly over the years. What I need to know is, how am I supposed to treat this nephew when he shows up for Christmas? It feels like he comes around for handouts and might well be ripping things off while he uses the bathroom. But I’m not used to being so hard-hearted. What attitude should I strive for here?
Thanks.
–There’s family and then there’s family
Advice | Comment (0)A Choose Your Own Adventure Book, but for Bitches
Dear Meredith-
OK, I admit it: I HATE my best friend’s new boyfriend! I’ve been trying to give him a chance, but seriously, he sucks. I thought maybe it was just because I was jealous she was spending time with someone else, but after we all hung out with some friends recently, they also hated him (I did not give them a heads up ahead of time of how I felt). The problem is that he’s rude, inconsiderate, self-centered, and difficult to talk to, and although he’s not physically/verbally abusive, I just don’t think he treats her right.
I’ve kept my mouth shut so far, but now she’s thinking about moving in with him. I don’t want to not be supportive, but I am NOT supportive of this relationship! What should I do?
Worried in Western PA.
Advice | Comments (4)Why is the copy room floor sticky?
Dear Meredith,
I recently discovered that one of my co-workers who works right outside my office consistently watches porn during his lunch break. He has NO IDEA I can see his computer screen and mutes the volume, but nonetheless, it’s pretty disturbing. I’m not really sure how I should handle the situation, or if I should even “handle” it at all… help?
Confused in my Cube
Advice | Comments (5)