Then check out their advice on a variety of social quandariesincluding how to deal with complicated family dynamicsbelow.
Want their advice on how to deal with a sticky social situation?
She is my only grandchild.
Photo:Weiss Eubanks/Getty Images
Theres no reason for this sad situation, and Ive reached out to my daughter-in-law many times.
Is this a new trend?
JENNA BUSH HAGER:Well, there is a new trend, which is that kids are wildly over-scheduled.
HODA KOTB:I agree and think you oughta speak to your son.
You could tell him youd love to have a grandma-granddaughter date, even for only an hour.
Be part of her life.
Meet her where she is.
JBH:Yeah, if its activities at school, volunteer at the school.
HK:Start with baby steps.
When Coworkers Exclude You
VIOLETA ASKS:My coworkers exclude me from everything.
Im 50, while theyre all 25 to 30.
It makes me feel like an outcast.
I wouldnt say, I feel excluded.
Get some common ground, and then maybe you grab lunch or dinner.
And often the young people like that.
You could say, Tell me what happened.
Did you guys end the place down?
Let them tell you about the night, like youre the mom and theyre telling you everything.
JBH:They may feel like you dont want to be with them.
They may not be leaving you out intentionally.
Actually, Im sure theyre not.
Most peoples intentions are good.
Its up to you to assume the best in them and then create those relationships.
The cat constantly hacks up hairballs we have to clean.
Were not allergic, and most of the time the cat is just sleeping out there.
Should I let it go?
HK:Jenna, you take this one, cat lady.
Otherwise let sleeping cats lie.
I understand we should help family, but they ask all the time.
His dad makes a six-figure income and can afford to hire a professional.
I think my husband should ask for some money to cover his time or gas.
What do you think?
HK:I know its a bummer, and it probably feels like hes choosing them over you.
Or you could use those hours to have brunch with your friends or do something for yourself.
JBH:I feel like you should ask him how he honestly feels about the situation.
If its something he wants to doif he wants to be there for his parentsyou cant take that away.
Have an Etiquette Question?
Email your questions to Hoda and Jenna at modernmanners@realsimple.com.
