My friend insists on rating every meal they eat on a scale of 1 to 10, complete with a critique. How do I tell her to shut-up? Glynnis Hi Glynnis, I suppose asking her to stop won't help much would it? Try this: Once she starts rating her meal, rate her f...

My neighbor has an impressive collection of garden gnomes that seem to multiply weekly. How can I subtly inquire if there's a gnome breeding program happening next door? Joey Hello Joey, Why don't you just go to your neighbor and ask about it. Show an int...

My significant other insists on a nightly 'sock puppet theater' to unwind. It's cute, but how do I suggest alternative relaxation methods that don't involve puppetry? Jody B Hello Jody, why not just start your own relaxation excercise? Do it at the same t...

I've been invited to a 'silent book club' where everyone reads together but doesn't discuss the books. Do I really need to read the book? How will they know? K.T. Hey K.T. Well what is there to say? Oh wait, nothing is to be said. The part about reading b...

My neighbor insists on mowing his lawn in the shape of a giant smiley face. It's quirky, but is there a polite way to suggest a more traditional approach? Shirley Hi Shirley! The answer is maybe. Why would you want to ask your neighbor to change the shape...

I found out my coworker has a side hustle as a professional finger painter. How do I express support without accidentally commissioning an office mural? Sonny Hi Sonny, Why would you feel compelled to "accidentally commissioning" an office mural? Just tel...

My friend insists on ending every text message with a random fun fact. It's charming, but how do I respond without feeling the need to match or acknowledge her so-called facts? Shawn Hi Shawn! It would be nice to receive such text message endings. If it d...

My partner insists on celebrating 'National Pancake Day' every week. How do I gently suggest something else for breakfast? Morgan Hello Morgan, unless you really don't like pancakes, what's wrong with once a week? If it really bothers you, just tell your...

My date insisted on solving a Rubik's Cube throughout dinner. Is this normal? I haven't dated in awhile. Trina Hello Trina, You may not have dated in awhile but besides being rude, selfish, self centered, have a lack of etiquette and all out jerk, your da...

I've been invited to a 'reverse costume party' where everyone wears normal clothes. How do I stand out without breaking the dress code? Camila Hello Camila! Well, there's normal clothes, then there's normal clothes. To stand out, try wearing a business su...