Dear Muse: Real Advice for Real People (Sorta)
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Muse, the inspiration that motivates a poet, artist, or thinker.
Dear
Muse,
I have
a problem. My girlfriend, who is a technical writer, corrects my grammar
all the time. Proper English usage is her compulsion. The other day I
pronounced mischievous "mis-che-vee-ous," and she spent
15 minutes explaining the difference. Now we're not speaking. What do
I do?
Tongue Tied
Dear Tongue
Tied,
Public
health workers wash their hands frequently. Psychiatrists analyze their
spouses to death. Editors can't pick up a magazine without a red pen in
their other hand. In other words, most people are prone to obsession about
some traits of their work, and your girlfriend's monomania is pronunciation.
So, even if you don't feel as strongly about the English language as she
does, try to patient with her. And remember— it could be worse: she
could be a sex therapist.
*****
Dear Muse,
My company recently went through two rounds of layoffs. Many of my friends
got RIFed, but I did not. I'm sad for them and glad for me, but now they
bad-mouth this company whenever we talk. I don't know what to say. This
is still my employer, after all.
Left Behind
Dear Left
Behind,
Your RIFed friends probably feel rejected and afraid. If a lover moved
your things to the curb and asked for the keys to the house back, you
wouldn't wander the streets singing his praises, especially if the breakup
adversely affected your bank account.
For whatever
reason, you are the lucky party here, so try to be sympathetic. When your
friends begin their sad songs about your employer, nod sympathetically
and change the subject. Just don't chime in. Your friends don't need fuel
for the torch they're burning, and you don't need to feel bad about the
job that pays your bills.
A final thought: Since your company is going through layoffs, start a job hunt for yourself. Call it "Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover."
