My Encounter With the Smiling and Waving Guru
I like to think of myself as a kind person. Not super kind. Like, I’m not going to be going too far out of my way to help those in need. I’m not hopping on board planes to deliver supplies to the latest casualties of global warming. I’m not inviting unhoused folks to...
How Do I Release Religious Sexual Shame?
Dear Meli, I grew up in a strict, religious household. Once I left home, and the church, I thought I’d never go back. And I haven’t. But I do have an ever-increasing interest in spirituality. This time, though, it’s not about rules from without....
Help! My Spouse and I Have Incompatible Working Styles!
Dear Meli, My wife and I have been married for about 10 years, and we are very compatible. We share the same spiritual beliefs and practices, which helps a lot. But we’re also just really compatible in general. At least, I thought we were! We recently started a...
A Good Mistake to Make When You’re First Setting Boundaries
I’m a big fan of boundaries. They’ve been a lifesaver for me. That’s not to say it’s easy to set them. It’s still hard for me to set boundaries, even after years of planting those suckers all over the place. In spite of the difficulty of setting them, I like to think...
How Can I Get My Family to Respect My Dying Wish?
Dear Meli, I have an unusual dilemma. I have been diagnosed with terminal cancer. And I’m okay with that. I am electing not to do heroic treatments. I am 84 years old and have lived a wonderful life. The treatments would just prolong my life, but also prolong my...