‘Cock of the walk’ could use a reality check

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/10/2020 (1813 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: My 45-year-old husband thinks he’s hot-looking. He still works with several women in a socially-distanced office and he still dresses up for work, acting like he’s the rooster in a hen house.

He seems to think if he talks to me frankly about women flirting with him, then it’s OK.

What he doesn’t realize is that I know those women, from years of office parties, and they’re not the ones flirting. He does it to build up his ego.

Why don’t I leave him? Because I love the oaf, and he never gets to first base with any of these women, who just roll their eyes. I’ve watched it happen!

My nerves are bad with COVID, and I have lost my usual patience. How do I get him to knock it off? — Rooster’s Fed-Up Wife, Sage Creek

Dear Fed-Up Wife: The minute he starts bragging, cut him right off and abruptly leave the room.

At first he’ll be looking for a fight, but just raise your hand like a traffic cop, and walk into another room. He will follow.  You say, “I’m not playing the jealous wife role anymore for this old mind game of yours.”

Keep your cool and he will have to stop this habit, if you simply won’t play. That’s what he’s looking for; he’s using you to boost his self-esteem.

 

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I phoned up an old friend who used to go with my friend, because I was home and bored, as usual, and I thought of him. He was lots of fun, a real joker.

He acted all suspicious at first and wanted to know why I was calling him. My face got red, because he was acting like I was doing something weird and unacceptable.

Finally, in exasperation, I said, “Don’t get your shirt in a knot! I made a list of people I know from the past and I’m calling them because I’m stuck at home because of COVID restrictions. You’re only No. 26 on the list, mister!” Well, he started to laugh then, and we had a great talk.

I’d like to call him again, but I don’t know if that would be pushing my luck. He was fine being No. 26 and I got the feeling he wouldn’t have been if he’d been anywhere near first.

I’m really lonely and he was fun! Should I take a stab at it? — Unsure of My Welcome, Downtown

Dear Unsure: Don’t push your luck! That worked as a one-off gag, but he didn’t ask to talk to you again. He was comfortable being on a long list, but if he wanted friendship or romance with you, he would have hinted at it or called you a couple of days later.

You might have better luck further up the list with a guy in the top 10 — even an old boyfriend who wouldn’t make too much of it.

Your reception when cold-calling a long list gets chancy when the numbers get higher.

 

Dear Readers: Below is a letter from an irate reader aimed at “Family Divided by COVID” who had a disastrous Thanksgiving dinner with a grown son who refused to wear a mask, and kicked up a nasty fuss. Then the whole family “acted out.” I suggested family counselling after COVID.

 

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I think this once-beautiful country has gone to hell in the last 150 years! We don’t have to celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas. I enjoy the holidays, but if we skip the gatherings, it’s not a big deal. And as far as that family goes? Grow up! — D.F., Winnipeg

Dear D.F.: I suggest online celebrating for many upcoming holiday dinners. It’s better than having a blow-up, or pointedly not inviting one member.

This family was shaky to begin with. After Thanksgiving, it was far worse. They could be splintered and broken by Christmas. COVID should not be allowed to totally rob of us our families, as fractured as some may be.

A Christmas dinner held online with people supplying their own meals, would only go for half an hour, and they’d still feel there’s a family connection.

No one needs to wear a mask and they can see each other’s faces long enough to eat, chat a little and wish each other Merry Christmas. Play some music in the background.

The important thing for families is just to get through to the vaccinations and past the COVID testiness to a normal life.

 

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.