LALLOUZ INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

Dear Rhonda:

A guy I know “Bobby” is always boasting about how much money he makes in business. I found out that his business doesn’t do that well at all. His real money comes from making and distributing adult movies. I think this guy’s a creep and a liar. I’m disgusted! How do I keep this low-life away?

Carrie

Dear Carrie:

He’s not the first and certainly won’t be the last! People’s possessions are not necessarily indicative of their true income. Much of life’s fineries cannot be ascertained on simple wages. That’s when guys like “Bobby” subsidize their yens in less than favourable ventures. Generally, these fellas think they’re slick, but the nature of their character usually comes off as undesirable. Your intuition is telling you that Bobby is bad news, and I think that you should trust your gut. Caller ID is a wonderful invention; when this snake calls, let it go to voicemail! Two, three times... he’ll get the message.

“To possess the ability to express oneself in a way that can enrich the mental perception of others, is truly a remarkable trait that bears great power. Hence, it is via my literary works that I deliver tolerance to those who fear by way of nescience.”

-Contessa Rhonda von Sternberg

Dear Rhonda:

My friend Janie had a big hook nose and heavy crow’s-feet around her eyes. I haven’t seen her in over 2 months. I bumped into her at the mall last week and noticed how straight and smooth Mount Everest became, not to mention her eyes and how all her wrinkles were gone! I told her that her nose job looked great and her eyes, much better than before. I also said that she looked 20 years younger than her old self. She turned a few shades of red and denied ever having any work done. I was only trying to compliment her! Was I wrong? What do you say when someone has had plastic surgery?

Eileen

Dear Eileen:

As etiquette would have it, no comment should ever be made to anyone who has undergone cosmetic surgery, unless they share their experience. A simple, “You look fabulous, Janie,” would’ve been your best bet. Perhaps Janie is shy or slightly embarrassed about her surgery. However, most people today are very open about their surgical cosmetic experiences. Rhinoplasty (nose job), both breast augmentation and reduction, are just a few of the most popular procedures performed. Tupperware parties are out, botox parties are in! Women ‘in the now’ are throwing wonderful botox events at their plastic surgeon’s office, whereby they are injected with the wrinkle eliminating miracle. So to answer your question, Eileen... it is inappropriate to acknowledge a particular change in someone’s appearance, positive or negative. A general compliment is always acceptable, as flattery is ego-boosting. Let’s move past this faux-pas by not making a big deal out of it. This ghastly moment has passed. You can now move forward by being your plain old diplomatic self!

Dear Rhonda:

I have a very nice shop in South Beach. Whenever relatives come by, they expect to get things for nothing. They walk out with whatever they want and promise to pay, but never do! My wife, Karen, is furious over this situation. We have high expenses; stock, rent and salaried employees. If this keeps up, I’ll go under. Who will help me then? How do I deal with this situation?

Steve

Dear Santa,

You don’t, as you are obviously the weaker of the two. Let Karen be the bad cop in all of this. If people are not smart enough to understand the responsibility of running a business, then you must take the proper steps to educate them. An acceptable family discount is generally 30-50%. Have your wife share this information with your family the next time they come by your shop. Steve, there is always the alternative of offering your relatives the keys to the business and letting them pay your rent and employees. This way, you and Karen can shop free-of-charge at their establishment. Sounds like plan!

Writer, columnist, critic and 'as a poet’, Contessa Rhonda von Sternberg, also penned R.L. Sternberg, has enamoured some of the most elite circles by way of words. An avid Patron of the 'Societal Art Milieu’, Sternberg's literary conceptions are governed primarily by social issues. She takes pleasure in sharing her profound thoughts with her readers. Please send your letters to 'Help me Rhonda' Advice Column via email: Editor@LallouzInternational.com