Breast Cancer Survivor Throws "Ta-ta to the Tatas" Party
In a display of courage and resilience, a woman diagnosed with breast cancer has decided to celebrate the early detection of the disease by throwing a "Ta-ta to the Tatas" party. The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that her DNA results revealed the need for a double mastectomy after she completes her chemotherapy treatment.
The party, planned to take place a week or so before her surgery, will include wacky wigs, a cake shaped like a breast, and a round of "slippery nipple" cocktails. While the woman sees this celebration as an affirmation of life and a way to confront fear and death with humor, one of her friends disagrees.
According to the woman's letter to advice columnist Dear Abby, her friend finds the idea tacky and refuses to say the word “cancer” aloud, whispering it instead. The woman questioned whether her desire to mock the problem was wrong or inappropriate. She compared her celebration to Dia de Los Muertos, a Mexican holiday where people honor their deceased loved ones.
In response, Dear Abby commended the woman for her bravery and strength in facing her diagnosis head-on. The columnist affirmed that the woman's friend lacks the emotional strength to support her during this challenging time and suggested that the woman disinvite her friend from the celebration.
Mother Struggles with Estranged Son's Narcissistic Behavior
In another letter to Dear Abby, a mother expressed her distress over her younger son's problematic behavior. The mother's older son is kind and loving, while the younger son, named Scott, is negative, controlling, and accuses his mother of turning the rest of the family against him.
The mother revealed that she had to work three jobs to support her sons after divorcing their alcoholic father. Scott often blames his mother for not having enough time for him during their early teens. He now refers to her as the "ice maiden" and displays narcissistic traits, refusing to seek counseling because he claims it would be too hurtful.
Dear Abby reassured the mother that she is not to blame for Scott's behavior. The columnist advised her to protect herself by disengaging from Scott's hurtful remarks and blocking him on social media. While the estrangement may or may not be permanent, Dear Abby urged the mother not to blame herself for her son's issues.
Small Town Resident Frustrated by Slow Service
A resident of a small town in Canada wrote to Dear Abby, expressing frustration with the slow service she experiences when trying to schedule home repairs. According to her, businesses in her area operate on "regional time," attending to tasks whenever they feel like it, sometimes taking as long as nine to 12 months to complete repairs.
Despite her weekly or biweekly follow-ups, the resident often receives no response to her inquiries. She finds this so-called "regional time" to be rude, inconsiderate, and a waste of her valuable time. Additionally, she feels trapped because there are no other businesses in town that can perform the necessary repairs.
In response, Dear Abby suggested offering a generous gratuity to tradespeople who show up promptly and complete the job to her satisfaction. The columnist also recommended considering a return to a larger city if dealing with these issues in a small community becomes too emotionally taxing.
Overextended Mother Struggles to Make Time for New Friend
A married professional woman with three children wrote to Dear Abby, seeking advice on how to explain to a new neighbor that she doesn't have the time to make new friends. The woman, who describes herself as overextended, emphasizes that she barely has enough time to balance work, family, and other responsibilities.
While she acknowledges the desire to have a friend in her neighborhood, the woman is unable to commit to spending time with the neighbor for at least two years due to her hectic schedule. She wonders if there is a way to convey this without hurting the neighbor's feelings.
Dear Abby suggested having a brief conversation with the neighbor, explaining the situation honestly and assuring her that it's not personal. By sharing the limitations of her schedule, the woman can avoid causing any feelings of rejection.
themes: Canada
