Editor’s note: Recently in The Voice, the announcement was made of the death of the conductor of the column, Ask Grandpa, which provided readers with 503 weeks of sage advice, humor, and continuity. Below is the repeat of the June 17, 2021 column. The Voice will continue to offer previous columns. We invite special requests of previous columns.
Grandpa,
I work in a small local airport. My job is to clean the customers’ airplanes after the mechanics fix them. I clean them inside and out. Owners often tip the mechanics, but no one ever gives me a tip. Should I ask the mechanics for a part of their tips? They do that for bus boys in restaurants.
Grandpa says: What was the arrangement when you were hired? Have you ever mentioned your thought to the boss, or the mechanics? Casually mention it to your co-workers, but do not be surprised if they say no. If the answer is no, you still have a job, right? Just be sure that the quality of your work is so good that you are worthy of a tip.
Grandpa,
I am a server in a local eatery. I am getting tired of hearing customers complain about the seating and restrictions placed on the number of guests we are allowed to have in the place. I have no control over it. My boss has no control over it. I, too, would like to have more patrons in the place. The more tables I serve, the more money I make. Yet, I am expected to listen to their petty complaints. You don’t know what it is like to hear people complain about the same things all the time. It gets on one’s nerves. I just want to tell them to shut up and live with it.
Grandpa says: When I read your letter, I thought about Proverbs 25:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” A gentle word of commiseration will let your patrons know that you, too, are growing weary of the lack of normality. A cheerful continence is like a hug. will come back for more. I know you can get through these hard times; you are a professional. Please feel free to write again when you need to vent.
Grandpa,
Several years ago, I had an affair with a woman I knew casually. Now that she isn’t working, she needs money. She has come to me offering to pick up the relationship at a nominal price. That means she is turning herself into a call girl. I find that to be a big turn off. I told her so. Now she is telling me that she may have to tell my wife of the old fling. I got myself into a pickle and can’t find my way out.
Grandpa says: Blackmailers’ only commodity is secrecy. What can she sell, you if you have no secrets to hide? Tell your wife of your past indiscretion. Purge your self of the guilt and the blackmailer will be no threat to your marriage. Wouldn’t your wife rather hear it from you? Women can be very protective of their men when the men are open and honest. See your wife as an ally, not as a victim, or prosecutor. You owe her that consideration. As one sage said, “It is cheaper to open your mouth than your wallet.” I bid you both peace and happiness.