Advice Column: Dear Rose

Dear Rose, I have moved to the south after living in the north all my life. Something that has really surprised me is the seriousness with which some people take the Confederate flag. Up north we just considered it a fun symbol of the old days. Some folks in the south act like it is a symbol is racism or what they should have got to keep except for them Yankees. Why don’t people just let it go and get on with where we are now? Why the big deal? Wondering Yankee Dear Wondering, President Clinton said that when one man’s pride is another man’s pain, there is a real problem. I said the above to say that there are those people in the south that take the Confederate flag seriously because it is a part of their history….or their roots. The pride of the brave men of the Confederacy has often been passed down orally from grandparents, and it would seem like stomping on something that they love to desecrate it. To other people, the Confederate flag is a symbol of slavery and oppression. These people are offended by those who are proud of the flag. It seems difficult for either to see each other’s point of view at times, which is very sad. Dear Rose, I have a problem that is sometimes hilarious, but awkward. We have a older neighbor who is very courtly, dignified and kind that often drops in when he is taking his evening walk. He knows he is welcome and we are always glad to see him. The problem is that one day when he came over, one of my children whispered that his feet are so big that his shoes look like boats. This was a month ago, and now whenever he comes over, I find my eyes wandering to his feet. For some reason this has really seemed funny to me. I find myself wanting to chirp, giggle, guffaw, laugh and make big feet jokes. I have not, but I know that he is puzzled by my silly grin when he comes to the door. I try to act normal, but before long, there I go again, snickering and giggling. This is so embarrassing. Any ideas for what I should do? Silly neighbor Dear Silly, We are all in the same “boat” when it comes to physical flaws. Some have big feet, big ears, big noses…big tummies, big…well you get the point. Maybe telling it to you will help it get out of your system. When your neighbor comes over, focus on his interests. Draw him out with topics that he likes to talk about. Many times if you are occupied with making him feel comfortable and important, you will forget the other stuff. Keep laughing at other stuff though. That is good for you. Humor for the day: If you like your passport picture, you probably need the trip. If you have any questions that you would like to ask, “Dear Rose” please write to The Herald Newspapers, 500 Maryville Hwy, Seymour, TN 37865 or email at askrose@theheraldnewspapers.com.