In today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to someone who will not attend their distant mother's funeral when she passes.

They may want – or even think they need – you to co-sign their version of events in order to properly grieve. That isn’t the ...

I feel that it’s hypocritical of me to attend her service when she does pass. My siblings disagree. That is my decision. I have no “wonderful” memories to reflect on. My goodbye is my goodbye. Your ...

His ex thought nothing of taking my husband’s arm as they entered. Meanwhile, I’m sitting at our table by myself as this is ...

I am becoming aware of an increasing anxiety with my pets. Specifically, being separated from them. To briefly put this in perspective, I am recently widowed as of ...

Look into a writer’s group, locally or online. We all need praise, encouragement (and sometimes commiseration). Being in the ...

I’m better without her and her melodramatics in my life. I feel that it’s hypocritical of me to attend her service when she ...

I’m not close to my 88-year-old mother. For all of my life we have not gotten along. I never fit into her “mold” for me. I ...

Dear Eric: I have years of writing under my belt. During a recent family visit, I spent a lot of time hearing about grown ...

I suppose I was subconsciously annoyed that my husband got so much praise and attention. Telling a story about him, I started ...

Dear Eric: I have years of writing under my belt. During a recent family visit, I spent a lot of time hearing about grown ...

Meanwhile, no one asked about my writing. I suppose I was subconsciously annoyed that my husband got so much praise and ...