Discriminated against and given the run-around

Dear Annie: I am seeking some advice. I have a disability, and my place of employment is discriminating against me based on that disability. I finally filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and waited. Having heard nothing, I phoned just to make sure the EEOC got the forms. After repeatedly calling, I finally had a return call stating that my case had been automatically deleted from the EEOC’s computer system after 90 days because of inactivity.

I went to the local EEOC office to file my complaint in person, but with interview questions such as “Why are you here, because you have not lost your job?” it became uncomfortable, as well as insulting. Am I wrong in believing that no one should be told one’s harassment or discrimination is unimportant because one is still employed? The officer then directed me to another agency but said not to tell that agency I am disabled, because it would be referred back to the EEOC.

As you can see, I really am at a loss and would appreciate some advice. Do I just go

“You’re not wrong for trying to file a complaint. You don’t need to be fired in order for your concerns about workplace discrimination to be valid. That’s not how that works.”

wants me to fax him a copy. He wants to see it. It isn’t any of his business right now. He is acting as if he’s perfectly innocent and in the right for asking. I feel the conflict building between us and can tell this is going to become a fight. Previously, when there was a problem with his father’s will, he just ignored all communications from the estate lawyer.

What can I do? He may not realize it, but he is the one who will mess up if he messes with me. — Wills Are Not Family

Dear Wills Are Not Family: Where there’s a will, there’s a way for true colors to out. Your stepson seems to be showing his, and they’re not pretty. He has no right to demand to see your will. As you said, it’s not any of his business at the moment.

Set boundaries. Stay firm. And if you want to take him out of your will for this bullying behavior, nobody would blame you.

Dear Annie: Boy, did the letter from “Exhausted by the Onslaught” hit home. It is no surprise to me that 57 percent of people surveyed reported “significant stress” about the current political climate. It has divided family and friends beyond belief. I’m not going to get into the politics, but what I’ve found is it helps to turn off the TV, get off the internet and take a break from all of it. For those who need to know the news like me, I suggest one half-hour of national news of your choice once a day. When it comes to TV and the internet, look for positive and happier subjects to view. Even my therapist has suggested this. Trust me; it works! — Controlling the Onslaught in Florida

Dear Controlling: Those are all great habits that I wholeheartedly endorse. Glad you’ve managed to control the onslaught rather than let it control you.