Why Tho? On the cusp of Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for my readers, even when they hate my advice

Dear readers,
Thursday is Thanksgiving. It seems like just moments ago it was Fourth of July, but, alas, here we are, on the precipice of December, which means blink and it will be 2025.
But, instead of losing our minds about the fact that time seems to be speeding up, I think it’s always a worthwhile and grounding exercise to remember what you feel grateful for, always of course but traditionally in November. One thing I’m grateful for? You! The reader! Whoever you are! This column wouldn’t exist without you!
I’m also grateful for the messages you send, whether you agree with me or not. So here are a few of your recent responses to my columns. Keep emailing me! I love all the messages you send! Even the mean ones!
Regarding the in-laws who wanted the heat so high, I got several responses.
Dear Lizzy,
Just a comment to the writer who didn’t like her in-laws turning up the heat. Older people often have vascular health problems and can get hypothermic. I learned to tolerate a bit higher heat (more in the 75-degree range) and have blankets and heating pads available. An extra space heater in the bedroom is good.
L.
Lizzy,
I am obviously desperate for reading material but what a terrible piece of advice … to get a heat pump. Thank God you moved out of Corvallis.
T.
Regarding my math in the post about election panic…
Dear Lizzy,
I’m 44. You’re 42. You stating that this is your 8th presidential election had me a little confused.
Doing the count: Year 2000 is number one. 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024 … By my math, that makes 2024 the 7th presidential election in which we have both been eligible to vote.
A.
Dear readers, she was right. My math was wrong and I fixed the post.
And finally, on the topic of taking a trip with an uncle who has difficult political beliefs …
Hi,
I believe the best thing for all is to politely decline the invitation. To accept with all this incompatibility is rude for all concerned.
N.
And yes, there are still more about my most controversial column yet, the one about opening kids’ birthday presents at parties. Feel free to send me more thoughts on the matter but I don’t think I can do another column about this for at least a few months. Still, I’m reading your messages, trust me.
Thanks again for all your responses. I hope you get at least a couple days off to eat something delicious with people you love! Good luck!
Lizzy
Have a burning question? Send me an email at [email protected]! Or, if you want to ask me a question with total anonymity, use this Google form.
Read more Why Tho? here.