QUESTION: My best and oldest friend has problems with relationships. I think that I know why, but I’m not sure how to talk about it with him. The problem? He just talks too much. He can’t stop, and people find that tiresome. How would you suggest I help without insulting him? — Jack B.
MARY’S ADVICE:
This is a big problem for some folks. They don’t seem to know when to stop self-centered ways and just listen. I would suggest he practice asking questions and showing some interest in his dates. Good luck to him. Its hard but not impossible to change these behaviors.
JIMMY’S ADVICE:
Yup, this can be a real problem with relationships. A real problem. And I’m not sure there is a solution or a cure for someone who just won’t stop talking! I just can never figure out why some people just can’t stop running their mouths. It’s incredible. They just talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, and they don’t seem to have any awareness of the fact that no one is listening any longer, because everyone is so tired of the never-ending jaw flapping. It goes on and on and on and on and on and on and it’s boring and just a waste of everyone’s time. And, we must remember that as seniors, we just don’t have an endless amount of time left to sit around listening to someone who just won’t stop talking and talking and talking. I have to wonder if these people are deaf or just so completely self-involved that they have no concept that the other person is sick to death of listing … and is not interested … and has a hundred other useful things to do in their lives … and wants more than anything else to simply walk away and do something fun or useful, because listing to a jabber mouth is a total and complete waste of breath and time and … again … I’m not sure there is a solution or a cure for someone who just won’t stop talking! I just can never figure out why some people just can’t stop running their mouths. It’s incredible. They just talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, and they don’t seem to have any awareness of the fact that no one is listening any longer, because everyone is so tired of the never-ending jaw flapping. It goes on and on and on and on and it’s boring and just a waste of everyone’s time.
QUESTION: I’m nervous, still. The Covid thing is going away (they say), but I’m still worried about catching it. Now, my neighbor doesn’t use masks and makes no bones about the fact that she goes anywhere with anyone, no matter how crowded it is or anything else. She says, “I’m gonna live my life … and that’s it!” And that’s fine for her, but I just don’t want to be around her because she’s doing what all the medical experts tell us not to do. How might I handle this graciously? — Carol
MARY’S ADVICE:
You so have to be honest. You are responsible for your own health. You must — and I mean MUST — do what you think is best for yourself. I would tell your friend that you have no judgement on her decisions, and would appreciate it if she could respect yours as well. Good Luck.
JIMMY’S ADVICE:
I’m with your friend on the “just live my life” thing. So if I was you, I’d live your life … without her, for the time being!
QUESTION: I have never in my life been so tired and fed up with politics. Trump, Biden, this one, that one, on and on. I’m tired of it all! I don’t want to watch it on TV, and I don’t want to talk about it with my friends or … anybody else. Am I nuts? Am I the only one? Do I need counseling or something? Help! — Elizabeth
MARY’S ADVICE:
You need to realize that your right, for you. You’re above the chaos of this horrid political playground. I applaud you. It has been too much. Hate never brings peace or good will.
JIMMY’S ADVICE:
Switch to old western movies at news time. That’s what I’m doing. And conversations? When I’m chatting with friends or others and these topics come up? I just say – every time, “Well, I’m glad THIS conversation is over!”
