The Marie Dubuque Show

Becoming more likeable is not what you think. You don't have to command the room, or become more charming or funny, or witty.

It's easy to resent your friends because they have an easier life, but things always change...

Don't feel bad if you have a difficult time moving from one home to another. Take it from me, this is a tough experience!

Should you drop your insecure friends? Not necessarily.

There is a way to become "un-nervous" so to speak!

I am not talking about good friends who need a shoulder to lean on...I am talking about the people who take advantage and who are always feeling "wronged."

I realize these are divisive times, but come on...some people go too far.

If this person dismisses your concerns and tries to sweep the problem under the rug, watch out!

It's best if you dump your friend in stages...I'll explain.

Often, when someone lashes out at you like that, the reason could be completely unrelated.

I think we all have someone like this in our lives. And usually we let them drone on and on...but not anymore...

Is your friend embarrassed to admit that you are her pal? Could be, but probably has to do with a different reason....

If someone is lashing out at you, should you a. defend yourself b. simply leave the room? Neither! Let's talk about how to get this person to back off!

I know your initial reaction would be to answer sarcastically, but don't, and here's why....

What does it really mean if someone says they want to keep in touch with you? Are they just being polite??

I have had that happen...I think we all have. You know someone can't stand you even before you have uttered a word!

Your friend comes to you with a problem, and after listening carefully, you respond with a thoughtful answer. And yet this person doesn't like the answer. You can simply say, "Then don't ask me for my opinion!" But why did they come to you in the first place??!! How to handle these types of people.

How to handle people who don't look you in the eye. Is it shyness...or something else?

Groups can be tough. Whether you are surrounding the water cooler, at a party or on a zoom call, here's how to deal...

When someone asks you if you are doing alright, it is OK to say no, and explain why. I think we are all accustomed to just soldiering through, and that will not help you get through the tough times.

Remember, these types are looking for something that you are sensitive about. They want to get under your skin....

This old friend reappears in your life only to disappear again...why?

This is a touch relationship. Remember, if you cut off contact with her, you lose contact with your dad. There may be a way to salvage both.

Yes, kick them to the curb...and I will tell you why. This could be the jolt this person needs to get his/her life together!

No! And I will tell you why...

Yes, and I will explain why.

If your partner yells, "I don't love you," in the heat of an argument, that is not a reason to leave him. People say things that they don't mean all the time when they are angry. But if he sits you down calmly and utters those words, you need to listen.

It depends...if this person is a drama king/queen who is always looking for someone to be mad at, you should handle the situation much differently than if a good friend who is usually pretty laid back starts acting standoffish.

This is a tough situation. But remember, it probably has nothing to do with religion and more about control.

I am not saying to kick him to the curb (not yet anyway) but you two need to have a chat!

If your boyfriend/girlfriend is moving across the country or across the world, should you follow him/her?

You don't want to come across as cold, but you don't want to get too close to co-workers.

If you are really trying to listen to your partner, yet he is not having it, saying you interrupt and get too emotional, is this a sign of something more?

This is a sticky situation. Do you tell your friend to pay up...badger them until they cough up the money or let it go?

No matter how eccentric these people are, or how different they are from your parents, you need to find a way to get along...but remember, your relationship is with your girlfriend, not with her family.

What do you do when your fiance's parents (your future in-laws) constantly invite his ex-girlfriend to all family functions?? I don't like ultimatums, but in this case....

Could it be the thrill of the chase?

I'm not saying you have to walk on egg shells when you visit your father, but if you know the hot-button issues, don't bring them up! But more importantly, if you ask your dad the right questions, he might not become so argumentative.

A young woman who's boyfriend professed his love just days before suddenly say he "needs space," and mean it?

It is easy for me to say to embrace single life, but honestly, you don't know what is going on in someone else's relationship.

Getting engaged should be a joyful time in your life...but not when your sister is resentful.

Daughter in-law wants to hear more from her husband's parents. They are her only real family. Could it be because she doesn't have kids yet?

Why on-again off-again relationships don't work in the long run!

I have nothing against vegans. (I am one, sort of.) But vegans who throw their veganism in your face is another matter entirely!

Your friend wants to know everything that is going on in your life, but will reveal nothing about hers...What gives?

It depends...on what you hope to gain and whether or not you want to rekindle the friendship. Or is it closure you need?

Would you want to know if people were talking behind your back? But remember, be prepared that your friend may not believe you...and then be patient. The back-stabbers' true colors will come out!

Dealing with a boastful person can be frustrating and exhausting! But there is a way to handle them....

Do you find it hard to fit in? Maybe that is just it. You are trying too hard.

You are struggling; Your friend isn't. Why does he have to rub it in?