V21 N36

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 neighbor had an outdoor barbeque last
weekend. He invited me but not our neighbor
on the other side. Thinking it was a simple
omission, I asked him if I could invite her. He
said no. He invited a dozen people and did not
want any more. I knew she was home. I knew
she saw us, and it made me uncomfortable.
I know he has a good relationship with her.
After a few drinks, I’m afraid I said something.
Then my host/neighbor said something, and it
got ugly and I left. I’m not sure if I was right or
not but felt I had to stand up for her. She did not
mention the gathering when I saw her walking
her dog. Naturally, I said nothing, but what do
I know about my host? Do I ignore the whole
thing? — Concerned Neighbor
The Answer Lady
Wise answers to perplexing questions
Dear Neighbor
You visit the Original Fudge Kitchen. Buy
a pound of pumpkin fudge. Knock on your
neighbor’s door and offer your apologies.
Whether he was right or not, the barbecue
was at his house, and it was his call whether
to invite or not invite. Your choice perhaps
should have been to decline the invitation. If
you still feel that strongly, have a barbecue of
your own and invite the entire neighborhood.
Dear Answer Lady
I am invited to a Halloween party at a
coworker’s house whom I like very much.
Halloween is apparently her favorite holiday.
The problem is I hate dressing up. Normally, I
would decline the invitation, but I don’t want
to offend my very kind co-worker. I had a
hard transition into this job, filling the role of
someone very loved who fell ill. My co-worker
paved the way. Do I just show up as I am? What
if I offset my not joining in with a really good
wine from Sunset Liquors? — Anti-Costumer
Dear Anti
If it is her favorite holiday, expect salad
tongs in the shape of skeleton hands and
smokey brew coming from the punch bowl.
Sure, bring the vino but you can also suck it up
one night. Pop into Just For Laughs and buy a
pair of Groucho Marx glasses which come with
glasses, nose and mustache. Wear a suit with it
and watch the laughs because it’s unexpected.
OR wear a suit with Clark Kent glasses and a
Superman tee shirt underneath. You will make
her happy and still maintain your dignity.
October 12, 2023 EXIT ZERO Page 53