Sister’s sharp tongue cuts wide swath

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This article was published 22/08/2016 (3669 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: My sister has a sharp tongue and I thought she must have curbed it to finally to get a husband. They have been married a short time. Recently, she told him off at a barbecue in our family’s backyard in about two sentences that just sliced him to the knees as only she can. I saw his face drain of all colour. She slammed the back door and left in the car. He had no ride home. I offered him a ride and he was embarrassed, but he took it. I don’t think he even wanted to go home. On the drive I said to him, “She’s always had a sharp tongue and you better get that stopped, or move on. She’s taken the pride out of every guy she ever dated.” I added that I was sorry I had to say that about my own sister, but it was the truth.

He said quietly, “I think there’s something seriously wrong with her.” I told him it was his chance to tell her that she could either get it fixed with the help of a professional or he was going to leave before she did any more damage. He didn’t say anything else all the way home. Did I do the wrong thing? She is my sister and maybe I should have been more loyal to her. — Younger Brother Who’s Suffered, Rural Manitoba

Dear Younger Brother Who’s Suffered: You spoke your truth and tried to help. Your sister might quit talking to you for a time, and you might not see much of him by her choice, or he might take your advice. They might both go for counselling and get the help needed for their marriage, then everybody wins, even you. If she loved this man enough to marry him and he refuses to put up with her sharp tongue, this might be a needed turning point. She might learn from a professional to soften her approach, and he might learn how to stand up for himself and handle her when she’s amping up.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I’m writing about the Spankers, the couple cranking up the music and being loudly obnoxious in the bedroom with their S&M spanking. (To each their own). Their cabin was a rental, but neighbours who own their cabins are not getting any sleep. First, what about the children? What do the neighbours tell their kids? Second, there are noise regulations. They are obviously ruining everyone else’s experience and expectations to have a relaxing and peaceful time at the lake. Lastly, how about a little respect for everyone else? Why should one wacky couple be allowed to ruin a whole month of our short summers for all of the other cabin goers?

If they want to have wild spanky-panky sex, rent a hotel room. Don’t expose children to this adults-only activity and stop being so selfish and inconsiderate. They are renting someone’s property. It’s not even theirs and they should show some respect. — Show Some Respect, Winnipeg

Dear Show Some Respect: Cottage renters, who don’t know the neighbours and don’t see them year after year, sometimes aren’t thinking about other peoples’ level of quiet and comfort. They don’t know if the neighbours have kids, and maybe don’t care. You are right — they could rent a hotel room — but then lake hotels often don’t have thick walls and people leave their windows open for fresh air. Maybe leaving the sexual spanky action at home is the best answer — unless they have the cash to rent a private island.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I just read your reply to the Spankers. It doesn’t matter what the source of the noise — whether it’s shrieks, cover-up music or anything else — no one has the right to disturb their neighbours, especially at the lake, where most of us go for some peace and quiet. The spankers should shut all their windows and keep things to themselves, certainly after 11 p.m. — Your Fun is Not My Fun, Manitoba

Dear Not My Fun: This might work if the spankers embrace afternoon delights, their background music is lively, the windows are shut and the action is shut down by 8 p.m. Sun-drenched kids and adults often need to go to bed and sleep early.

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Miss Lonelyhearts
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