Bruce Barber's Real Life Survival Guide » Relationships

How do you decide which relatives you’ll see during the holidays?

Bruce — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:30:58 +0000

In this corner… opening your home to that crazy cousin, her new boyfriend, and her three “willful”sons.

And in this corner… driving across state lines to have your spouse be insulted by your in laws.

‘Tis the season, my friends; How do you decide which relatives you’ll see during the holidays?

What’s your best conversation starter at a cocktail party?

Bruce — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:00:47 +0000

If it’s ‘Are you an actress or a model ‘, and it’s your office Christmas party, I’d say that I admire your “pluck”.

(Along with your willingness to join the ranks of our nation’s unemployed.)

So, with that in mind, What’s your best conversation starter at a cocktail party?

What are some great gift suggestions for husbands?

Bruce — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:32:12 +0000

Last week it was the blushing brides – now it’s dad’s turn.

What does “man” really want this holiday season?

As my cohost Duo Dickinson would say on his Facebook page, discern and discuss…

What should you do when someone gives you an unexpected gift?

Bruce — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:12:46 +0000

If you’re a published author, like Duo Dickinson or Randye Kaye, you go grab a book from the car and autograph it for them.

This is a great tactic… unless the person already HAS your book. (Right, Duo?!?)

SO, what should you do when someone gives you an unexpected gift?

What should you do when you can’t remember someone’s name?

Bruce — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:23:34 +0000

We recounted past “senior moments” in Episode 25, as we commiserated about being unable to remember the names of people whose names we really should remember.

Duo recalled the time that he forgot Cindy’s name at a charity book signing. I told him that with a memory like that, he could run for elected office!

What should you do when you can’t remember someone’s name?

After how many months of dating should you introduce your beloved to your relatives?

Bruce — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:06:27 +0000

I posed this question at Chips because this particular “stick” comes to a much sharper point during the holiday season.

(We heard one story of introductions being made at a GRADUATION! Ouch…)

What do you think – after how many months of dating should you introduce your beloved to your relatives?

What are some great holiday gift suggestions for wives?

Bruce — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:29:16 +0000

Is it a spa day? is it Jewelry? Is it a microwaveable neck pillow? (Is it all of the above?)

This may or may not become tougher as the years go by. People express themselves in different ways: Duo admits to being an obsessive wrapper. (Which is not to be confused with being an obsessive ‘rapper’.)

What are some great holiday gift suggestions for wives?

What are some of your favorite small, local gift ideas for the holidays?

Bruce — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:17:50 +0000

When I was growing up, we always looked forward to the box of special chocolates we’d get from my mom’s family in Michigan.

This got me thinking about how meaningful (and inexpensive) small local gifts can be.

What are some of your favorite small, local gift ideas for the holidays?

How do you deal with family arguments?

Bruce — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:34:07 +0000

The holidays usually bring families together, and, as noted in Episode 24, this can lead to conflict.

(Duo pointed out that it can also lead to a lot of drinking.)

When arguments happen, what is your strategy for diffusing them?

(How) did your marriage change you?

Bruce — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:51:48 +0000

This one touched off some quite interesting back and forth during our meeting at Plan B!

(Duo was amazed that I went from an OCD-ey neat freak to a… well, slightly less OCD-ey neat freak.)

What about you - (How) did your marriage change you?