Don’t dwell on dumping bitter buddy

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/09/2021 (1439 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I have a friend who is downright bitter. She lives in my apartment block, so it’s hard to get away from her. I just figured out it’s the anger in her bitterness that gives her the energy to complain endlessly. I’m so sick of her anger!

I had to detach from her last week, even knowing I’d become one more person who has disappointed her in her life. I’m a bit psychic and can feel her angry energy coming down the hall to my apartment door, even though she no longer knocks. What can I do?

— Freaked Out by Bitter Neighbour, West End

Dear Freaked Out: Some people seem to float down the river of life on a pillow of bitterness. It really works for them, so you’re wasting their time trying to cheer them up. A better friendship match for her is another person who enjoys kvetching. Then “Oh, you poor darling!” is music to each other’s ears.

Bitter people certainly don’t want to hear about your happiness. The good news? Chronic complainers are often surprisingly good at finding others to listen. Give it a little time and you won’t feel any vibes — real or imagined — coming to your door. Meanwhile, here’s something purely symbolic you can do to block what feels like bad energy coming in: Roll up a long towel and run it alongside the crack under your door. It’s not magic, just symbolism.

When you run into this woman, be disgustingly cheerful and do all the chatting: “Lovely weather, beautiful day to get out and enjoy life, blah, blah, blah.” Finish with “Have a great day!” and she’ll be so glad to be rid of you!

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: This is In response to Hungry for Home-cooked Food— the hopeless young marrieds who can’t cook. (I suggested buying one fun new cookbook and learning 10 recipes, with fun music blaring while cooking.—Miss L.)

I have a great suggestion that might help them out! My wife and I use a prepared meal service. (There are a half dozen in Winnipeg.) Each week, the service we chose sends ingredient packages for three meals. Food is ready to cook, with full-colour recipe cards and instructions. It’s easy to pick out interesting meals using their app.

My wife and I have busy lives, and we found we had little time to shop, let alone cook healthy meals for the three kids we still have at home. The best part is we delegate one meal to each kid, as part of their weekly chores. They like being able to pick the meals they like, and it teaches them life skills by learning to cook. We all benefit by having meals cooked for us, regularly.

While these kits may seem a bit pricey, it saves money by eliminating waste, saves grocery shopping time and takes the stress out of meal planning.

I think this couple should try it out, and take a turn making one meal each and then one meal together. Cheers!

— Got My Kids Cooking, Winnipeg

Dear Got Kids Cooking: Thanks for the tasty tips. People can get food that’s already cooked and delivered, as well as services much like yours with raw foods and recipes. Looks like fun for both parents and older kids and it might spark them to cook beyond the initial supplied recipes.

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.