Grandpa,
Is it okay for me to say, “I Love You,” to my girlfriend in your column? Her name is (deleted by Grandpa) and I would really like you to print her name and my name in the paper. She reads your column all the time. It would be such a wonderful surprise for her! Thank You!
Grandpa says: If she reads this column all the time, then she knows Grandpa never identifies individuals. However, you can call 630-966-8642 and buy an ad in the personals section. Or really make her day by buying a color ad on page five. Grandpa does not publish ads in this column. Thank you for asking.
Grandpa,
I know you are always warning others about different scams. How does this one fit for you? Our small company holds a Christmas party for us. Those who want to participate in a gift exchange put their names into a fish bowl and then we draw names for who we are to buy a gift. If you don’t put your name in the bowl, you neither buy nor receive a gift. There is a limit on what you can spend. It all sound very fair and reasonable.
This year I received a gift card to (a chain restaurant). It was in an envelope with a nice unsigned Christmas card. I did not know who to thank. When my (spouse) and I had a nice lunch together we tried to pay with the gift card. The cashier told me that the card had already been used. Now I know why the Christmas card was not signed. I was very embarrassed and hurt that a co-worker would do such a thing. I checked with the (person) who organized the gift exchange; no records were kept of who was buying for whom. I am too hurt and angry to just let it be. How can I retaliate?
Grandpa says: My grandpa used to tell a very young me that, “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” My grandma would tell me the best way to get revenge is to not let on that a prank bothered you. If I were in your shoes, I would blend the advice from both of my ancestors. I would post on the bulletin board a note saying something to the effect of, “I want to thank the person who gave me a wonderful Christmas gift this year. (Spouse’s name) and I had a truly hardy laugh when we tried to use the invalid gift card you gave us. We are sure you did, too.” In the future, before using a gift card, check with the cashier to see if it is valid before you order. Grandpa used to say, once burned, twice shy.
Grandpa,
I think it is wrong to have school kids hand out valentines to each other. It is pushing them into a situation of thinking sex among young individuals is a good thing. It teaches kids to be promiscuous. Schools should stop the practice. Your thoughts?
Grandpa says: Get a life.
Got something stuck in your craw? Ask Grandpa. Address your letters to Ask Grandpa c/o The Voice, P.O. Box 123, Aurora, IL 60507 or send an E-mail to askgrandpa@thevoice.us.