Want their advice on how to deal with a sticky social situation?
Im tempted to say, Oh, am I boring you?
or Would you and your phone prefer to be alone?
Photo:Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images
or just plain It hurts my feelings when I talk and you take out your phone.
Is it an emergency?
It makes me feel like Im not important, and I really want to connect with you.
Hoda Kotb:I was recently in this situation.
Just dont be snarky about it.
JBH:Its become a habit for a lot of people.
And you could say that.
HK:Its good to be honest.
Id hate to involve the homeowners association, and I love animals, but this has gone too far!
JBH:I think you write a letter.
Maybe explain that its not great for the wildlife, because she obviously loves the animals.
Write a nice letter and leave it on her doorstep.
It doesnt need to be mean.
Just write a compassionate letter that explains exactly this to her.
HK:I think this is a tough one because you have to live next door to her.
Id start the letter with I think its lovely how much you care.
JBH:you’re able to follow up if she doesnt write back or bring it up.
Ask her if she got your letterthat opens the door for a discussion in person.
Loans vs.
He never indicated that it was a loan, and I was quite taken aback by this request.
HK:I think you have to pay back the money.
I know you were surprised by the request, but hes not asking for himself.
Hes asking so he can pay for his granddaughters wedding, which is really sweet.
He gave it to you, and now he wants to help someone else.
JBH:Think about what that first apartment gave youthe freedom to save for other things.
you could help give that same freedom to the newlyweds.
If you dont have all the money right now, maybe you could return it in installments.
Golfing Without the Chit-Chat
Carol asks:I love golf but find the constant talking annoying.
I dont know how to bring it up without sounding rude.
One of my fellow golfers says Im passive aggressive.
hey help me find some neutral way of addressing this irritation.
Or else Im going to try earplugs.
JBH:I think putting in earplugs is definitely passive aggressive.
HK:If this group isnt for you, thats OK. Maybe just find another group.
