Ever since my boss found out I'm a Republican, he's been knocking my politics in meetings. How can I shut him up?
You can't. He's the boss. And he's testing you.
Sure, it's not good form to talk politics at work. But this isn't about how you vote. It's about seeing how you respond to someone razzing you in a high-stakes situation. How else will the top guy know if you're able to keep your game face on when rattled?
Just play office politics right back: Laugh at his dumb jokes. If he suspects you're faking it, so much the better. It's a safe move that's also sort of annoying.
If you can't grin and bear it? Maybe look for a new job. Just put "really sensitive" on your resume.
My wife is hoping I'll make some career moves, but I like my job. Maybe I'd earn more, but why risk a good thing?
Back when the missus and I were courting, she had a few doubts about my possibilities as a wage earner, and she didn't mind saying so. Hey, mixing mojitos ain't exactly like running a hedge fund, financially speaking.
But barkeeping's my thing, so instead of suiting up and looking for some office job, I jumped over to another taproom and took on some extra duties, like doing inventory and managing the night cleaners.
Did the gig get harder? Sure, but the payoff was about more than dollars and cents. When I'm working hard, I feel energized. And the wife likes seeing me take charge of new situations.
So sign up for a night class, lobby for a promotion at work—do something. Sometimes the safe bet stinks. Shaking things up can be rewarding.
My oldest kid just turned 21. Should I take him out for a few rounds? What are the rules of father-son drinking, anyway?
Would you say that this punk kid of yours has his act together? Then relax, Pop.
As long as the boy doesn't go off driving under the influence, then you two can be regular drinkin' buddies. In fact, your relationship may even deepen into a friendship.
Six of my pals are getting married this year. Can I afford to go to six weddings? Not by a long shot. How do I choose?
Don't worry about it. These guys are starting a new chapter of their lives, and the most important guests are already in the wedding party.
So pick the two or three that you feel closest to and book your flights. Buy the other grooms something nice off their registries and send a heartfelt card.
Whatever happened to free pretzels at bars?
We heard they were covered with germs. Then we heard we could be sued if somebody got sick. Then we took them off the bar and put nachos on the menu in their place.
My buds and I rented a cabin, and now one guy can't go. Do we still make him pay?
Depends. Did the whole crew sign up with the expectation that Mr. Flakeout would cover his share of the tab?
If that's how you guys planned it, then hell yeah, he needs to fork it over. Assuming he's a man of his word, he should have no problem with that.
My neighbor keeps inviting me over for drinks. He's nice enough but dull as dirt. Am I horrible if I blow him off?
Hey, a boring neighbor is better than a bitter one. If you make a show out of acting too busy, he'll figure you out—and then you'll have an enemy next door.
So swing by but tell him up front that you only have an hour. And always bring a bottle of something, or else it'll feel like he's using his booze to buy your time.
Being chums with the guy next door is good—especially if you ever need to borrow a ladder.