The reason I’ve been absent for a few weeks….

is that we’ve been putting the finishing touches on the book!! It’s out now–with 200 of my favorite hints–

Here’s a hint–read through–and if you have a question–just ask, Auntie wants to know!

Easier said

Auntie took some of her own advice this week…

In a communication impasse/failure with a friend/lover/potential enemy? Avoid permanent estrangement, and before firing off that curt and sassy email/text/instant message, start communicating by simply using your voice in real time. Polite, honest, face-to-face interaction might be quaint and old school, but it is a time-tested means of permanent détente at home and abroad.

From hair to eternity

Auntie was recently part of a “dating experts” panel, and the following question was one of many submitted…now, for your perusal…Auntie offers up a personalized hint or two…

Dear Auntie Jodi,

I like a guy, and want to suggest he do some ‘manscaping.’ How do I do this without hurting his feelings?

Signed,

Won’t Date Werewolves

Dear WDW,

First, Auntie wants to know how well you know this gentleman. If you are just getting to know him, and think he is a good soul who meets most of your criteria—then by all means, WAIT. You were willing to date him before, and you know you cannot change him, so hold on to your tweezers for just a bit longer.

One day he will, most likely, welcome your pluck—right now, I’d say, you’d be plucking too soon. I’m sure you are aware of statistics that say the longer you wait to pluck your man, the greater the chances of a lasting relationship.

Bonne chance!

Auntie J.

Happy Father’s Day, Daddy!

I believe, with all my heart, that I was blessed with having the best father I could ever want. He was kind, funny, smart, witty, warm, loving–in short, everything a father is supposed to be. He provided me with gentle guidance–all administered with a grand smile and a quiet wink. Here’s some of his best advice to me…now in the form of Helpful Hint #148:

Auntie would like to share a secret she learned from her dear Daddy. If you should be in an argument/disagreement/lawsuit, and the other side concedes a point, stop and acknowledge your win, then move on to your next point. Continuing to argue to further prove how stupid/wrong/idiotic your foe happens to be will not help you in any way, and may cause additional, irrational, non-winnable points to be conjured up.

We are never stuck

Think you’re stuck in a dead-end job or relationship? Ah my friends, you must know that, “we are never stuck.” I’ve always believed that the sticky comes before the stuck, so it’s never too late to make a change. Auntie is about to make a big break, and so, here’s Helpful Hint #201:

While on your commute to work, should you find yourself weeping uncontrollably, getting lost en route, or plotting the murder of your boss, perhaps it is time to consider a career change. Dramatic exits from a wretched work environment will be a welcome diversion for your soon-to-be ex-colleagues.