Lawyer’s petition to help friend study is dismissed

I have a close friend, “Samantha,” whom I met in law school four years ago. We both graduated in 2014. I passed the bar exam, and so have our friends from school, but Samantha has not.

She was in a bad relationship in school and planned to marry the guy. That fell apart, and she’s now dating a guy who seems to be great. Samantha has failed the bar exam twice, and I know she’s smart enough to pass. I have offered encouragement, to help her study and critique her practice essays, but she has refused.

I want to find a way to get through to her that it’s OK to ask for help. I’d like to suggest that maybe she should put the new boyfriend on hold for a while as she studies for the next exam. I know it will be hard for her and embarrassing, but I am her friend, and I want her to get what she worked so hard for.

You are a caring and well-meaning friend, but Samantha has refused your generous offer. While you may wish she’d put her romance on hold until she passes the bar, it’s possible her emotional needs are greater than you understand. If you want to retain her friendship, let her find her own way through this, or you may drive her away.

My daughter is being married at a resort hotel where the bridal party and spouses, several relatives and friends will be spending the night. This resort has an upscale restaurant on site.

My husband and I are spending a lot on this wedding already. Must we also host a morning-after wedding brunch for everyone?

There are no formal rules regarding wedding brunches. If paying for brunch would strain your budget, consider inviting guests to a “no host” brunch at a restaurant that’s less expensive.

I’m a 60-year-old semi-retired widower living in central Florida. On hot days (hot, humid days are abundant in Florida), I have taken to wearing a kilt. The kilts are the most comfortable garments I have ever owned.

Most folks are tolerant hereabouts, but I do get some odd looks. I say it is my right to be comfortable and to heck with the (very few) snickers I get. Am I normal or just a bit nuts?

I don’t think it’s “nuts” to want to be comfortable. If wearing a kilt provides the ventilation you need, I say more power to you. However, I would not classify you as normal because most people prefer to just blend in, and what you’re doing is unusual.