Joe Nguyen is a digital strategist for The Denver Post. Previously he was the online prep sports editor. Prior to that, he covered Adams County and Aurora in the YourHub section. He has previously covered Colorado’s Asian-American communities as editor for Asian Avenue magazine and AsiaXpress.com.
One of my closest friends has a toddler and when we’re making plans, she will often ask if she should leave her toddler at home with her husband. Oftentimes when I say yes, I would enjoy just catching up with her, she lets me know that leaving her toddler is not really a viable option.
Toddlers aren’t forever, so for now try an approach that’s honest and empathetic. Tell your friend that you obviously love the friendship you built in the pre-kid days, but that you also want to keep your closeness now and get to know the person she’s becoming and the person she’s raising. If she’s desperate for a child-free hang and her life allows it, she’ll let you know.I am completely befuddled by interactions with a classmate from grad school.
I haven’t heard from this person since then . About a month ago, they added me on LinkedIn, which I just got because I hate it, though I need it for work. Yesterday, she messaged me as if we were old friends and told me she was coming to a city three hours away from me. She said, “I’l l pencil you in for dinner on Wednesday!”
Instead, reply to the LinkedIn message that you’re, unfortunately, not free for dinner. You appreciate the invite but as it’s been so long, you don’t have the capacity to rekindle a friendship and catch up right now. You ought to end with something conclusive rather than open-ended. So, not “maybe next time you’re in town” but rather “I’m glad you’re doing well. Wishing you all the best.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Asking Eric: Why can’t my friend leave her toddler at home?When is it OK to ask a friend with a toddler to leave them at home? Eric gives his advice.
Read more »
Asking Eric: No, you shouldn’t leave the country with strangersI have the money, but I was planning to invest in a mutual fund.
Read more »
Asking Eric: I miss hanging out with my friend without her childDear Eric: One of my closest friends has a toddler and when we’re making plans, she will often ask if she should leave her toddler at home with her husband. Oftentimes when I say yes, I would…
Read more »
Asking Eric: Should I take an extended trip with people I don’t know?Dear Eric: Should I go to Tanzania for two weeks with people I don’t know and one person I only kind of know?
Read more »
Asking Eric: I’m tired of giving gifts to people that don’t return the favorIn today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to a question about where to draw the line with gift-giving to friends and relatives.
Read more »
Asking Eric: Is it wrong to return anniversary gift from my husband?Wife wants to return husband’s anniversary gift.
Read more »