V20 N42

The Answer Lady invites inquiries from
gentle readers on all manner of relationship
quandaries, matters of the
heart and ethics. If you’d like to send
a query, write to info@exitzero.us. Or,
simply sit back, enjoy a cup of coffee and contemplate
the wisdom herein.
Dear Answer Lady
My brother and I have never gotten along
and once my parents died, I cut ties with him.
The problem is that other family members
keep pressuring me to make up with him. It’s
not going to happen. He is not a nice person
and has taken advantage of vulnerable women
most of his life, including my mother, my
sisters, and some very trusting and wealthy
women who were in the midst of break-ups
when they met him. I want it to stop. What
would you suggest? — Not Buying It
Dear Not Buying
The Answer Lady suggests you inform
your siblings and family that it is best for
everyone that you and your brother give each
other space. Avoid any holiday confrontations
The Answer Lady
Wise answers to perplexing questions
and host a small family dinner, for those whom
you want to see, at a restaurant. Tisha’s would
be an excellent choice as well as The Lookout
or The Cricket Club. Restaurants are often
a buffer against any “scenes” that may be
festering. Don’t be surprised if the prodigal
brother shows up. If so, be cordial and know
that you have the luxury of paying the bill
at the end of the meal and leaving on some
pretext or other, wishing everyone a “Merry
Christmas and Goodnight.”
Dear Answer Lady
My best friend is looking for a new beau.
Her last was an idiot with a great body — a total
gym rat. He was nice, but a bad fit for my friend
who has a high-powered job and a future. He
was incapable of carrying a conversation and
I was thrilled when HE broke it off with her.
Now she’s showing me pictures of the same
type of person. Is there nothing I can say to
convince her that she deserves more than just
a hot bod? — Concerned
Dear Concerned
There’s nothing you can say. The Answer
Lady is sure you have made your feelings
known. In terms of the BFF contract, you have
fulfilled your obligations. Now be supportive.
If she’s smart enough to keep a “high-powered”
job, she can sort the rest out when she’s ready.
Maybe she wants casual or likes a trophy guy.
If she’s happy, you should be too. Now, forget
it all and take her to Cape May Winery for a
wine tasting and a cheese platter. Toast to your
friendship, through thick and thin.
November 24, 2022 EXIT ZERO Page 49