Guess what? Ralph won an award!

Dear Annie: My husband and I have a friend who was given an award a few years ago. Many of us attended the event, and friends from afar sent congratulations and accolades. Since then, however, “Ralph” brings up the award at every occasion, showering everyone with photos and bragging to the skies.

This is getting rather tiring to the rest of us. Some people have made a few comments to him, saying it’s time to “let it go,” but it doesn’t help. Ralph thinks he’s truly hot stuff now, and it’s become unbearable to be around him. We all enjoy the company of his wife, who unfortunately doesn’t try to curtail his boasting, but we certainly don’t wish to be around Ralph anymore.

Is there any polite statement we could make to get him to stop the ego talk?

Had It

Dear Had It: Poor Ralph. This is obviously the only thing he has to brag about, and he’s not going to stop as long as he thinks he can still get mileage out of it. Try to be tolerant. When he mentions his award, plaster a fake smile onto your face, pat his arm and say, “Yes, Ralph, we know,” and then change the subject or walk away.

Dear Annie: I was diagnosed with depression more than 20 years ago. When I was in high school, I was hospitalized for close to a year. Because money and insurance have been sporadic, I have been on and off medication. Plus, once I get on a good medication, I start feeling that I don’t need it anymore. Last year, my husband lost his job, so I have no insurance and have been off my medication since. My depression feels like it’s crushing me. I’m tired all the time and not interested in anything. Part of the problem is we haven’t had sex in three years. He says he just doesn’t want to. So I feel pretty worthless. Please help me.

Tired of It

Dear Tired: There are resources for you. First, contact the U.S. National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org). You also can find a listing of free or low-cost health centres in your area through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (hhs.gov) and the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (pparx.org), which also can help with medication. And don’t overlook your local community centres and nearby medical schools for low-cost counselling services.

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column.