for April 14, 2004 Dear Annie,
About a month ago, you had two letters, one about a cousin's rude manners on the phone, and one from a man who called his son a lazy moron. I just wanted to write and tell you, right on! That father deserved a reprimand and the lecture on counting his blessings. I've heard people speak to their kids in the most degrading style out in public, and wondered what goes on in the privacy of that home. Those poor kids. I hope that man's son moves out of that house as soon as he's able! As for the telephone etiquette, I agreed with you there, too. On that person's planet, walking away from the caller and leaving the phone sitting on the table is apparently appropriate. You suggested Tired of It repay her in kind and treat her the same way. I wonder if Tired should simply stop calling her cousin. That would eliminate the frustration!
Colleen Reads Annie in Packwood, WA
Dear Colleen,
Thanks for the kudos. I, too, hope that sixteen year- old boy can salvage his self worth once he's grown. Since the father did actually sit down and transmit his frustration to me, signaling his readiness to address the problem, even in his negative way. I hold out hope that he will make changes in his own behavior. One always has to hold on to hope. If you recall, I did tell the phone caller to ask herself if her cousin values their visits, or if that in itself was the problem. Haven't heard back from Tired of It. However, there have been responses to the person that had one roommate refusing to help with chores. No one had any real advice for the writer, just empathy. It's a common problem with those who share homes!
Annie
Please write to: Annie, P.O. Box 1084, Eatonville,WA 98328
E-mail: letters_annie@hotmail.com
Past Ask Annies:
Apr. 14, 2004 Abusive Dad, Discourteous Telephoning
Apr. 7, 2004 Guilty About Inadequately Reciprocating to Wonderful Giving Friend
Mar. 31, 2004 Kids Selling Cookies
Mar. 24, 2004 Big Girl Wants to Avoid Brother's Fancy Wedding
Mar. 17, 2004 New Manager Getting Gifts from Subordinate?
Mar. 10, 2004 Loaned Money to Roommate
Mar. 3, 2004 Complaining about Boring Older Peoples' Talk
Feb. 25, 2004 Give Kid's Items to Food Bank
Jan. 28, 2004 Bad Phone Manners
Jan. 21, 2004 Avoid Church Because of Flu?
Jan. 14, 2004 Boyfriend Breakup But Gift, Also Relative Tells Private Life
Dec. 24, 2003 Memories of Good Parents
Dec. 17, 2003 Christmas Gift for Wife?
Dec. 10, 2003 Thanks to Food Bank Helpers
Dec. 3, 2003 Child's Names on Belongings & Appreciating Family at Holidays
Nov. 26, 2003 Big Family Thanksgiving with Paper Plates
Nov. 12, 2003 Husband Driven Nuts To Do Crafts By Wife
Nov. 5, 2003 Dreading Husband's Retirement
Oct. 29, 2003 Move back home from boyfriend's house?
Oct. 22, 2003 Did I raise my daughter to do these things?
Oct. 15, 2003 Misunderstanding about School Workers' Kindness
Oct. 8, 2003 Prayer for Brown Sisters Killed and Change Schoolyear to Oct.1 to June 30
Oct. 1, 2003 Response About Non-tipping Lotto Winner
Sept. 24, 2003 Church-goers Inattentive
Sept. 17, 2003 Friend Sells My Stuff on Ebay
Sept. 10, 2003 Lottery Winner Didn't Tip Clerk
Sept. 3, 2003 Business Insults to Consumers
Aug. 27, 2003 Divison of Wedding Expense
Aug. 20, 2003 School Workers' Kindness & Men's Attractiveness
Aug. 13, 2003 Attractiveness Hints
Aug. 6, 2003 Annie's Husband's Accident at Work
July 30, 2003 Deer Automatic Sprinkler Best & Stores Don't Stock Washington Clothes
July 23, 2003 Scarecrows and Halloween Decorations Scare Off Prowlers Too
July 16, 2003 Redhead Asks Attractiveness Advice
July 2, 2002 Atomatic Deer Scarecrow Blasts Prowler