Patrick responds to Elizabeth, a caller seeking advice on a difficult situation at her workplace. Elizabeth talks about being excluded by coworkers over political differences, even though they once had a close and respectful relationship. Patrick offers thoughtful advice on maintaining maturity and perspective in the face of such pettiness. He also touches on broader social influences that make these divisions worse. As Patrick and Elizabeth discuss modern office life, political polarization, and the importance of staying above the negativity, this conversation provides practical advice and highlights cultural issues many people face.

 

• Mary Pat (email) - Would it make a difference if the man was dating his deceased wife’s friend but not posting it on Facebook? (02:31)
• Alicia - I am in conflict resolution, and I think they need family mediation. Having a neutral perspective would help to work through emotional clutter. (07:46)
• Mary - We had a similar situation in our family. My sister knew she was going to die and knew her husband needed someone. She told her husband to try to be with a friend of hers. (14:39)
• Barbara (email) – As a recent window, I have advice to not judge that man so harshly (25:20)
• Ana - We shouldn't judge people because many people who lose a spouse are hurting so much. (27:44)
• Joseph - I have been a widower for 4 years. My pastor asked me to lead a men's grief group after she passed. The grieving process has been profound. (32:02)
• Elizabeth – I’m friends with girls at work. They won't speak to me since the election. They found out who I voted for and now they won’t talk to me. How can I handle this? (38:32)
• Lisa - For a man who is widowed and not capable of consummating a marriage, is he able to enter a Catholic marriage? (47:20)