Welcome to Ask Clare, our advice column. Have a question, dilemma, or quandary? Send it to Clare in an email or on her Facebook page.
Clare,
I do not like Mexican food. I have never liked Mexican food. I have tried it and it just isn’t something I enjoy. Whenever we go out with friends and they suggest a Mexican place, I cringe and throw out other suggestions. A good friend of mine asked us all over for a ‘Friendsmas’ dinner. I heard from another friend that dinner will be tamales. Can I tactfully bring my sandwich to the feast? – Dining dilemma
Dining dilemma,
For the love of God, please eat the tamales. The Coachella Valley is a Mecca for great Mexican food. Your host may make them by hand or snag at the Tamale Festival (a great event for all normal people who love Mexican food). I really hope you have given various Mexican dishes a fair try. If you’re dead set against it, make a salad for everyone to share and fill up on that.
Clare
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Clare,
I’ve lived with my girlfriend for three years. We recently got in a bad argument and she took all of her things and went to her parents’ house. I helped her move her things out even though I thought there was room to repair our relationship. None of our friends know we’re not living together at the moment. After three days, we’re already on the mend but I don’t know how soon is too soon for her to move back in. – Break up to Make up
Break up to Make up,
You say things are on the mend – is the fight you had over an issue that you’ve discussed and come to resolution on? Has your (ex)girlfriend mentioned moving back in? She may be ready to move on – rather than move back in. The time apart will allow you both to think about whether the relationship is worth saving. If it is, hopefully she hung onto those moving boxes. If it isn’t, look on the bright side – you’ll save money on Christmas.
Clare
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Clare,
My aunt isn’t the most hygienic person. I have witnessed her return to cooking after petting her dog, scratching her back and picking at food in her teeth – all without even a pause to consider washing her hands. Needless to say, I do not like or trust the food she brings to family get-togethers. Was I wrong to tell my daughter not to eat what her Great Aunt made for Thanksgiving? – Grossed out
Grossed out,
It depends. What you’ve seen your aunt do is definitely off-putting but I would be surprised if she was the only one in your family that isn’t completely hygienic when cooking. So why does it depend, you ask. Your daughter’s maturity level, and what and how you told her are all important factors. What’s done is done. Just try not to color your daughter’s judgment of her family. It is a good opportunity to instill good hygiene into her.
Clare
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