Dear Barb

The Thanksgiving walk

Dear Barb,

Every Thanksgiving, my husband insists the whole family take a walk after dinner. Nobody wants to go, but he says it’s good for digestion. Last year, he made my 84-year-old aunt participate. Is there any polite way to end this tradition?

Reluctant Walker

Dear Reluctant Walker,

Your husband is correct that walking aids digestion. Sitting quietly and minding one’s own business has also produced excellent results. Your aunt is 84 years old. She’s survived decades of family Thanksgivings and presumably several husbands’ opinions. She has earned the right to remain seated. Your husband’s enthusiasm is admirable, if somewhat misplaced.

Verdict: Remain seated. Let him wander.

The family recipe

Dear Barb,

My mother-in-law keeps asking for my pumpkin pie recipe. It’s the one printed on the back of the canned pumpkin. I’ve been letting her believe it’s a closely guarded family secret for eleven years. Should I come clean?

Living a Lie

Dear Living a Lie,

Absolutely not. You’ve spent eleven years building a reputation. To confess now would undermine not only your credibility but the entire institution of family recipes. Take the secret to your grave.

Verdict: Say nothing. Take it to the grave.