Life is complicated. Short Answers isn't.
GET A DOG
Dear Short Answers:
We just returned from a excellent week away only to find that the cat sitter lost one of our two cats and somehow left the other cat and our entire apartment infested with fleas! We paid her $200! I want to publicly humiliate her. My boyfriend thinks I am overreacting. What do you think?
-- Bitter and Raging
Dear B&R:
Although we are not Feline Fanciers, we agree that your cat sitter is irresponsible and should have, at the very least, offered to refund your cash. Since she is obviously insensitive as well, perhaps you should ask her politely to give you your money back. And if that doesn't make you feel better, let us know and we will ponder next steps.
CARPE DIEM
Dear Short Answers:
Hey there. I'm 26 years old and am already worrying about getting wrinkles. I don't smoke but I do love spending time in the sun. I use SPF and moisturizer but are there any secrets out there? What's the best beauty regimen for people who don't want to have to resort to Botox when they are older, or go the Heidi Montag route?
-- Planning ahead
Dear Planning:
If you are looking for a beauty regimen, the info is out there how are you missing it? However, at 26, we think you should be enjoying your youth, not worrying so much about preserving it.
A SHORT ANSWER
Dear Short
It's so hot I want to die. Is there any way I can bail out of a backyard BBQ and stay in my air-conditioned apartment?
-- Cat
Dear Cat:
No. Gotta go.
WHY EMAIL WAS INVENTED
Dear Short Answers:
I've been dating my boyfriend for almost 10 months. I met him when I started college earlier this year. However, we live in two different states and won't be able to see each other this summer because he got an internship at his school. Ever since I've returned home, I've been feeling really homesick, and I suspect it's because I miss him so much. Is this bad? I feel like if I tell him (or anyone else) it'll make me look insanely clingy.
-- Nervous
Dear Nervous:
Of course you miss him! We don't understand why you wouldn't tell him so -- he probably misses you, too. You have a long way to go to "insanely clingy."
AGING ISN'T FOR SISSIES
Dear Short Answers:
I find that I am more and more irritated by my elderly parent. I hate myself for feeling this way.
-- Sad Offspring
Dear SO:
Excuse yourself and be as kind as possible to your parent. These are tough times for both of you.
GOOD HEADPHONES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS
Dear Short Answers:
I live in the suburbs and really love my neighbors. They have these huge air conditioner units outside their home and they make a lot of noise, which is very annoying when I sit on my patio. How do I handle that?
-- Hot and Bothered
Dear Hot:
An iPod will do the trick (or outdoor speakers).
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR
Dear Short Answers:
My boyfriend is too nice to me. It makes me feel like he isn't a real man. Should I tell him how I feel?
-- Princess
Dear P:
Examine your values. Would you like him to break your nose?
Send your questions anonymously on our website (www.shortanswers.net) or email them to thetranscript@shortanswers.net. Jeff Johnson has worked as a psychologist for New York State, New York City and the federal government as well as teaching at the graduate level. He is a Williams College alumnus and lives in Pownal, Vt. Paula Forman has worked as a professional "trend spotter" with high-profile clients such as Procter & Gamble. More recently, she taught sociology in the New York City university system. She lives and writes in Hudson, N.Y.
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