How can this exhausted and burned out mom stop feeling bad about feeling bad?

Dear Gentle Butch, My husband and I had our second child a little over a year ago, and we've been having a really rough time. Our daughter had a fairly run-of-the mill infancy and is now a bright, verbal, inquisitive, high-energy four-year-old. Our son doesn't have any serious medical issues or anything, but he was … Continue reading How can this exhausted and burned out mom stop feeling bad about feeling bad?

How do I deal with other people’s resentment?

Dear Gentle Butch, I'm a woman in my mid-50's, and through great privilege and luck I'm able to support myself by working as a writing/editing/website contractor just a few months per year, and go on some great trips, too. I call myself semi-retired. Due to bipolar and some physical limitations, it's hard for me to work full-time for more … Continue reading How do I deal with other people’s resentment?

Is it okay to ask my upstairs neighbors to take down old decorations that are a fire hazard?

Dear Gentle Butch, I live in a duplex and the upstairs neighbor had a new roommate move in a few months back. She's apparently told my husband that she likes to "celebrate all the holidays at once!" which sounds whimsical and charming until the rotting pumpkins... now those were finally disposed of, but there are … Continue reading Is it okay to ask my upstairs neighbors to take down old decorations that are a fire hazard?

How do I handle my unapologetically racist son?

Dear Gentle Butch, My oldest son has become an unapologetic racist. He has opined that black and Hispanic people are unintelligent, destructive, and without self control. He has told me and my husband that we’re naïve and can’t face facts we don’t like. His comments on these subjects have ranged from dispassionate observations to mean-spirited … Continue reading How do I handle my unapologetically racist son?

Is this couple childish, sullen, petty, and very immature for having feelings?

Dear Gentle Butch, A few years ago, my husband and I introduced two of our best friends (a couple) to another pair of our best friends (our cousins). All of these friends are about ten years younger than us, and run in somewhat different circles. Now, these two couples we love often hang out together … Continue reading Is this couple childish, sullen, petty, and very immature for having feelings?