WHAT TO WATCH
Dear Abby: I have a friend who talks nonstop. Honestly, I can put the phone down and go make a cup of tea, and she’ll still be talking when I get back. I don’t think she even takes a breath. I want to tell her she sometimes needs to ask questions or seek the opinions of others. How can I do this without hurting her feelings?
She has many good qualities. She’s knowledgeable on many topics, she’s artistic and she’s a good cook. She is just exhausting to be around. I feel bad for her and her husband. Her children are good, productive citizens. But man, oh man, I dread getting a call from her. Advice? Overwhelmed In Georgia
Dear Overwhelmed: There’s a reason why you are drained after those phone calls. Your friend is a compulsive talker and a “sapper.” (A sapper is someone who gains energy by draining it from others.) The next time she calls, have a stopwatch handy and make a note of the length of time she rambles on and on. Then point out that although she may be unaware of it, she talked at you for (insert number) minutes.
Then suggest she dial it back and consider asking an occasional question and including you in the conversation, because what she has been doing is exhausting. She may not like what you are saying, but she really needs to hear it.
P.S. Consider screening your calls so that if you don’t have the energy to talk with the woman, you can avoid listening to her.
Dear Abby: My husband and I are planning a cruise to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary as well as his retirement next year. We invited my brother and his wife, “Rita,” to join us. Because my brother has always wanted to visit our cruise destination, they accepted.
Rita then shared our cruise plans with her brother and his wife, “Jewel.” Jewel expressed interest in the destination and said she wouldn’t mind going. In response, Rita welcomed them to join us! When I was told this, Rita said her brother doesn’t like cruises and probably wouldn’t want to go, so I just let it go. Still, I am annoyed at her presumptuousness.
Am I wrong to feel the way I do about her inviting her family without first asking if it was OK with me and my husband? Rita did say she was sorry for inviting them, but I’m still annoyed. I love my brother and sister-in-law, and I’d hate to cause family drama. I’d welcome your thoughts.
Cruising In Hawaii
Dear Cruising: I agree that what Rita did was presumptuous. It was also thoughtless. She did not have the right to invite anyone along on your holiday. IF Jewel tells Rita that she and her husband HAVE decided to come, it will then be Rita’s responsibility to straighten the matter out by rescinding the invitation, and you should “sweetly” make that clear to her.
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com
Network broadcasting shows are listed in Eastern/Pacific Time, unless noted otherwise. Shows air one hour earlier in Central/Mountain Time. Cable broadcasting shows are listed in Eastern Time.
Madu
Disney+
This film follows 12-year-old Anthony Madu as he leaves his family and community in Nigeria to study in England at one of the world’s most prestigious ballet schools. Having never left his home outside of Lagos, Anthony finds himself thrust into a new world where his wildest dreams are suddenly within reach. His courageous journey is a story of extraordinary obstacles as he searches for belonging and acceptance while being far away from his family and facing unexpected challenges.
Renegade Nell
Disney+ New Series
In this fantasy/adventure, Louisa Harland plays Nell Jackson, a quick-witted and courageous young woman who finds herself framed for murder and unexpectedly becomes the most notorious outlaw in 18th century England. But when a magical spirit called Billy Blind (Nick Mohammed) appears, Nell realizes her destiny is bigger than she ever imagined.
The Beautiful Game
Netflix Feature Film Exclusive
Bill Nighy leads this British sports drama as Mal, the manager of England’s homeless soccer team, who takes his players to Rome with the hope of being crowned champions of the Homeless World Cup, a global street soccer tournament (the film was made with the support of this tournament organization). At the last minute, he decides to bring with them a talented striker, who could give them a real chance at winning, but only if he is ready to let go of his past and become part of the team.
Is It Cake?
Netflix Season Premiere
The hit game show/cooking competition returns with bigger cakes, higher stakes and wilder bakes. This season, bakers create hyper-realistic cakes to trick their way to the ultimate cash prize.
The Wages of Fear
Netflix Original Film
This French action drama follows a team that has less than 24 hours to transport two trucks loaded with nitroglycerin across a hostile region controlled by armed rebels, while also navigating minefields, to prevent a terrible catastrophe after an oil well catches fire and directly threatens the lives of the population.
Spermworld
FX, 9 p.m.
This documentary feature directed by Lance Oppenheim delves into how prospective parents are finding sperm donors in unregulated, online marketplaces. The film follows intimate encounters between donors and recipients as they exchange more than just genetic material. What emerges is an incisive portrait of the search for human connection in an increasingly alienating world.
American Masters
PBS, check station for time
Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan in this episode of the long-running docuseries examining the lives of outstanding artists and leaders.