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Sunday, July 30, 2023

Annie Lane, Advice Columnist

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Annie Lane, Advice Columnist

I clearly remember one time when my sister and I as teenagers had gotten lazy about writing her thank-you cards. She sat us down and let us know that when someone gives you a gift, you hurt their feelings by not thanking them or sending a card. We were, of course, embarrassed, but it was an amazing lesson to learn.

In the 30 years since, I still go out of my way to make sure I thank gift givers because of this conversation. A text at least, or a phone call. I don't think a written card is always necessary depending on your relationship to the giver, but it sure can't hurt! -- Teen Who Is Now a Thankful Adult

Dear Thankful: What a great letter. That is wonderful advice for the grandparents just to be honest and tell their grandchildren how they feel.

Dear Annie: You printed "Thoughts from Ireland," about the generous benefits that workers there have compared with those in the United States. I witnessed the same thing when we visited relatives in the U.K. 35 years ago. It was explained to me that companies hire enough employees to have coverage when workers are off for vacations or sick leave. They rotate the "floating" workers, who are trained to cover all types of work. Everyone has generous vacation time, but those with high-stress jobs, especially in direct care, have extra time off for their mental health.

We found this quite interesting because we had worked in a field where, when we returned from our "vacation," our work that came in while we were gone would be waiting for us.

Only emergencies were handled, which put extra work on co-workers already handling their own work.It would be great to have companies here follow some progressive practices for the mental health of the workers. Their system results in more people employed and a happier, more productive workforce. Too bad our corporations and employers cannot grasp that. -- Thoughts from the U.S.

Dear Thoughts from the U.S.: Most companies in the United States grasp what you are saying and offer generous benefits to their workers. You can compare our economic system with other systems, and I believe the American free enterprise system is best, certainly in terms of raising the overall standard of living. But thank you for your input.

Annie Lane is a mother, daughter, sister, and wife.

She grew up in California before heading east at the age of 18. She graduated with honors from New York University, where she majored in English literature and also specialized in psychology. After NYU, she earned her Juris Doctor from New York Law School.

Over the course of her education, Annie held a variety of jobs, including at Barnes & Noble because she loves books. She is a certified yoga instructor who also worked in sales at an internet advertising startup company. In addition, she worked at a law firm for two years and, before that, for a federal magistrate for one year.

Yet no job came more naturally to her than offering common-sense solutions to everyday problems. Her advice is unusually perceptive. She is sympathetic, funny and firm -- and her column is very much like Ann Landers' column in style and substance.

Annie lives outside Manhattan with her husband, two kids and two dogs. After a decade of city life, she is focused on her family and the Dear Annie column. When she is not writing, she devotes her time to play dates and Play-Doh.

"How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?" is out now! Annie Lane's second anthology -- featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation -- is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].

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