My son just got a tattoo, and I hate it. In my opinion, it’s ugly, not well done, and has a silly explanation. And it’s in a highly visible location on his body.

I actually think he regrets it but would never admit that to me. He’s going to be scarred for life, and I’m distraught. I can’t try to forget about it, because every time I look at him, I see it. It’s giving me anxiety. What do I do?

Devastated Mom

At the moment, there is nothing you can do. I’m not a tattoo expert by any means, but I do know there are people who can remove them from your body. Do they disappear completely? I doubt it, but I don’t know. And there are very good tattoo artists out there who could probably fix it to make it look nice. But no one can change the location or the way you feel about it.

I get it. But it’s not your body (though after carrying them and caring for them, you feel like it is) and he has every right to do with it as he pleases.

Let the shock subside and the skin heal. Then ask him if he’s happy with his choice. Suggest that you would like to take him somewhere to get it fixed, if that’s what he would like, or even removed. Support him as best you can.

Reader’s Commentary “Years ago, my wife and I were friends with a couple where the wife was very much in the driver’s seat. She made all the plans, with regards to absolutely everything. Where they went, when, with whom, what they ate, what their kids did for activities, etc., etc., etc.

“It was hard to listen to her go on and on about the decisions she alone had made. Her husband would literally sit and say, “Yes dear,” nod his head and make no other comment. As you can imagine, the friendship didn’t last long. I couldn’t bear them. My wife found common ground with the woman, but only on very few topics. The other woman was too opinionated for my wife, and they just stopped talking over time.

“I recently bumped into one of their sons. He’s meek, quiet and lacks personality – similar to his father. He was working in a retail store and lacked the ability to help me. Pressed for time, I walked away and found another salesperson.

“My heart goes out to this boy. He’s been given no life skills and seems browbeaten before he’s even 20. I wish I could ask you how to help him, but it’s not my place. I’m just saddened that this boy has no chance in life.”

Lisi – This is a sad story…. Parents, remember: your kids are always watching you. You are their first teachers and they learn through experience. They learn about love, relationships and life through your examples. Check yourself and make sure you are passing on good life lessons.

I was at the theatre last week and a man behind me just kept hooting and hollering. His timing was appropriate, but his comments were unnecessary and abundant.

I turned around once to see who was causing the raucous. I turned around again to ask him politely to be quiet. The third time, I wasn’t that nice.

Why do people need to hear their own voices all the time?

Annoyed

You’ve answered your own question – some people just like to hear their own voices. You can ask them to be quiet, you can ask someone else to ask them, or you can move. It sucks, but there’s nothing else you can do.

I’m working on a project with another woman in our sister office. We were placed together based on our roles in our respective offices. We’re not at all similar in our work style.

I am fast and efficient; she is slow and steady. I’m not careless in my speed, though a mistake can be overlooked. She is not meticulous in her timeliness either, and in this particular case, she made more mistakes.

This project is taking four times as long as it should and I’m losing my patience. She is a nice person, and I won’t have to work with her again, but I’m literally tearing my hair out.

Hare vs. Snail

Breathe. This is the real world. Be grateful you don’t have to work with her ever again. Now set up a time line with her. Be upfront about how you feel and what you’d like to accomplish – and CC your supervisor.

Good luck!