That’s what’s Up!

Dear Teressa,

   I’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer. I’ve never been married, and I’m a male in my mid 40’s. I feel hopeless and I have no one other than family to take care of me.

  I’m an over achiever. I graduated top of my class from Harvard. I have two dogs, and they are my pride and joy. They’re big dogs, and I’m worried that if something did happen to me, who would take care of them? Would I be considered creepy and a lonely fool if I left money for them to be looked after? –Dan

Dan,

   I’m sorry to hear that you have cancer. I wish you luck and success with your battle against cancer. There are a lot of support groups that you can join to meet people, as well as cope with having cancer. Maybe you’ll meet someone in the support group that can relate to you, as well as become a companion to you.

   Obviously you’re a very smart man, and a pet lover. I understand that you care about your big dogs and want them looked after. I believe that leaving them money behind would only ensure that they would be taken care of. I think it would be in your best interest to find some one to look after them while you’re battling cancer.

   This would be a good time to get them familiar with a new person, as well as a good time for you to find the person that you’d want to take care of them in the event that something happened to you.

   Personally, I don’t think that preparing for your dogs to be taken care of is creepy. I think it’s remarkable that you are looking ahead. Planning for their future has nothing to do with you being lonely. I think it’s a super idea, and that it’s very understandable. Finally, it’s your money, and you should leave your money to who/whatever you want to. –That’s What’s Up!

Dear Teressa,

   I’m obsessed with reading celebrity gossip. I check sites at least 10 times a day. I watch everything possible about different celebrities. I enjoy it and I find it relaxing and interesting. My problem is that I let some of it affect me personally.

  For example, when Michael Jackson died, I cancelled my plans with my boyfriend and friends to go out, and was glued to the T.V.  Do you think this is abnormal, and I should find a new hobby? –Gossip Girl

Gossip,

   You’ve given me very little information to work with. You said that you check the sites 10 times a day. This could take any where from 2 minutes to read or 2 hours at a time to read. I’m not really sure how much of your time/day this is taking up.

   I know that gossip can be very interesting, and it’s rather fun to live vicariously through someone else. I think it’s part of human nature to be somewhat interested in what others are doing, but to be “obsessed” is not healthy. I’m hoping that you were exaggerating about being obsessed.

   I don’t think that watching Michael Jackson news and canceling your plans with your boyfriend/friends is a huge problem. That’s something that you chose to do, because of your interest in keeping up with the Celebs and their gossip.

   I do recall that there was a huge problem with the internet the day Michael Jackson died, due to the large volume of people interested in finding out what was going on.  If gossip and Celeb news is interfering with your daily living, family life, work, or relationships on a regular basis, then you may need to seek help.

   Fortunately, you’re entitled to have ANY hobby that you want. It’s your life and you should be able to relax and enjoy it. It’s nobody’s business what your hobby is.

   I think that it’s interesting that you’re questioning if this is abnormal or not. People that have true addictions and obsessions are the last people that seem to worry about them. They don’t question whether or not it’s a problem. By you inquiring about it typically indicates that it’s not a severe problem.  Now-That’s What’s Up!