Manners Matter

Dear Lenore,

Classic problem – Ed’s a booze bag. The catch, though is that he is a handy booze bag – one that knows how to repair roofs and cars.

These are useful skills that shouldn’t be overlooked. You may not need his services for such repairs now, but keep in mind that roofs and cars are pricey to fix. How much does a bottle of brandy run these days? You will just have to weigh out the average cost per bottle with the condition of your home and autos. I don’t condone excessive drinking, naturally, but I also understand that you can’t control the actions of others. Ed will hopefully wise up and see that he will not find the solutions to his problems in the bottom of his brandy snifter.

In the meantime, you can serve him a couple, take away his keys, laugh politely at the tired jokes and practice your Tae Kwon Do to thwart his advances (if they are truly unwanted, Lenore; that’s a question only you can answer). Or, you and your sister could set an example by laying off the sauce yourselves on a nightly basis. It only stands to reason that Ed can’t drink what you don’t have to serve.

Good luck,

Mary Pat