Bravo for calling out bigmouths in shopping line

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This article was published 08/05/2020 (2346 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I’m a full-time working mom. I found myself stuck in a two-metre spaced lineup, still overhearing two loud old witches sounding off. You should have heard the nasty things they were saying about their working daughters-in-law (their sons were recently unemployed) who spend SO little time looking after their men properly. Those poor guys have to cook dinner for the whole family now, imagine that! I turned and said, just as loudly: “So why don’t you two tell your two perfect sons to get divorces from these horrible working women, and move back in with their moms? Then you can be happy again!”

The loudest of the two woman said, “Really! The eavesdroppers you run into in this store. We’re moving to another line!” And they stomped off. The drugstore clerk took my stuff, gave me a big smile, and said, “Thanks for that. Made my day.” Sometimes it’s a good thing to blow your top.

— Grandma Love, North End

Dear Grandma Love: People who are rude and loud often enjoy having people overhear them, but are outraged if anyone calls them out. No doubt, more people than the sales clerk enjoyed your remarks that day!

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I’m a long haul trucker. My wife has a best female friend who’s been leaving articles of her clothing — and now a toothbrush — at our place when I’m away on a trip.

At first, you don’t think twice about your wife’s female buddy leaving stuff behind when they visit, but after this last trip I came home to an extra pair of expensive running shoes in the master bedroom — just under the bed, peeking out (with pink laces, and way too big for my little wife). There were also two other articles of female sports clothing and a fancy purple toothbrush I didn’t recognize. When I questioned my wife about it, she blushed.

“Is there something you’re not telling me?” I asked her holding up the big pair of running shoes, and she said, “No, they belong to my new friend (and she named her). Sometimes, when you’re away a long time, she stays over to keep me company.”

“In our bed?” I shouted, starting to get the gist. We have a guest bedroom. She said stubbornly, “Yes, when one of us is too drunk, and shouldn’t drive home!“ Then I shut up. My head was beginning to ache. How much did I want to know? And to think I’ve always avoided the women at the truck stops who tap on your window and say, “Want some company?”

Maybe I’ve been a big sucker again. It’s my second marriage. She’s young and beautiful, and I fell for her and married her quickly. I spoil her with jewelry and anything else she wants, because I know I have to leave her alone too much. Please help.

— Love Her Lots, On The Highway

Dear Love Her Lots: So, she has an after-drinking guest who leaves her shoes and tooth brush, and doesn’t hide it? Your wife is not being very careful if it’s an affair. There’s a chance she may be innocent. Women, unlike men, sometimes share a big bed to sleep on holiday trips and think nothing of it. And, to be fair, young guys who get drunk at parties are known to crash like this, too.

She may have coloured up because she knew the situation looked bad. Or, it was because she is guilty and was dropping hints before she actually leaves you. This is not something you can shut your eyes to, now you’ve stumbled on it. That means you have to have a serious talk, even if it might lead to a breakup. If you don’t say anything, this situation will bother you badly on the road, where you can’t afford to be a distracted driver.

Your young wife may be tired of being married to a guy who has to be away a lot. Ask her if she’s having problems with the amount of time she’s on her own, and maybe look for ways to make fewer (or shorter) trips — if you possibly can.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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