My Boyfriend’s Ex Moved Across the Street From Us. Again. Should We Move? – iNow

JIM

Well, “never” is a very long time. Clearly, the guy behaved terribly. It may have been a one-time disaster, or he may have a chronic problem with alcohol and anger management. It’s your call whether to see him again. (And if you feel unsafe around him, it sounds like an easy decision.)

Still, announcing your position pre-emptively — there was no plan to see him again, right? — sends a hard message to your friend. It may have been more supportive to ask what she made of his bad behavior and take it from there.

Eyes on Your Own Glasses

You may tell me to mind my own business, but my intentions are pure: My sister’s fiancé is a handsome guy, but his glasses are too small. The arms don’t reach the back of his ears. This is an unflattering look. Should I say something to my sister?

SISTER

Get in line! Many of us would love to tinker with the aesthetic choices of our friends (and strangers). They are none of our business, though, and we may hurt people’s feelings. So unless you are asked for your opinion, limit your input to problems that can be solved on the spot: spinach between teeth, for instance, or skirts hiked inadvertently into underpants.

For help with your awkward situation, send a question to [email protected], to Philip Galanes on Facebook or @SocialQPhilip on Twitter.