As published in the April 2019 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My coworker has bad body odor — help!
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Ask Kari
Ask Kari: I want more out of a relationship — why can’t I stop being a pushover for men?
As published in the January 2016 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How Much Do I Need to Tell My New Boyfriend?
As published in the March 2020 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My neighbors are harassing us. What do we do?
As published in the September 2020 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: After my divorce, how can I find someone to share my life with (without having more kids)?
As published in the June 2013 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My teenage son smokes weed every day — how can I convince him to stop?
As published in the May 2015 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How can I get my wife to go to bed at the same time as me each night?
As published in the May 2015 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How can I stop my co-worker from using my office when I’m not there?
As published in the November 2013 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: Should I talk to my boss after we kissed at the company holiday party?
As published in the February 2015 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My mother has dementia – how can I get through the holidays without feeling depressed?
As published in the December 2015 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: Should I continue to buy holiday gifts for my grown nieces and nephews?
As published in the November 2017 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: Should I let my college son’s girlfriend sleep over at our home?
As published in the November 2013 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: After a stressful time last year, should I invite all my immediate family over for the holidays this year?
As published in the December 2016 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How can I stop my parents from continuing to loan my brother money?
As published in the February 2013 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: Why do I feel so lonely in my marriage?
As published in the October 2014 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How can I face my neighbors after a very uncomfortable neighborhood party?
As published in the September 2014 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My teenage daughter cuts herself — what should I do?
As published in the June 2018 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How can I build my self-confidence when talking to women?
As published in the April 2015 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How can I support my friend whose mother is dying of cancer?
As published in the May 2017 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: Should I be concerned after I found a flirtatious email from my husband to another woman?
As published in the August 2013 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How can I enforce that my son do his chores around the house?
As published in the July 2014 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: I want to go to college but I’m afraid I’m too old. What can I do?
As published in the October 2020 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: I’m allergic to my roommate’s emotional support dog. How can we work this out?
As published in the December 2019 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: Can I have a serious relationship with a man I met on Tinder?
As published in the November 2018 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My father forgot my birthday and hurt my feelings — should I tell him how I feel?
As published in the June 2019 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: I just got laid off and I’m so mad – what do I do next?
As published in the June 2017 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How should I respond after I saw my friends offer alcohol to their underage child on social media?
As published in the December 2016 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: Why does my husband spend so much time at the local bar after work?
As published in the August 2015 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: What should I do after my mother said she never loved me?
As published in the July 2018 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How can I support my friend who had a miscarriage?
As published in the October 2019 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My best friend only talks about herself and her drama — should I end our friendship?
As published in the September 2015 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: After 15 years of marriage, what should I do if my husband wants to rethink our marriage?
As published in the February 2016 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How can I stop my friend from gossiping about other friends?
As published in the June 2018 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My son has no plans after graduating high school — what should I do?
As published in the May 2018 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: After my father spent his retirement money, he wants to move in with us. What should I do?
As published in the April 2019 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How can I address my daughter’s revealing style choices?
As published in the September 2014 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How should I ask my son if he’s using drugs?
As published in the February 2018 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How do I tell people I’m not ready to have a baby?
As published in the March 2019 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: What should I do if I always see my neighbor’s children unattended?
Ask Kari: How can I get my wife to stop posting so much about our lives on social media?
As published in the September 2015 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My best friend’s wife died from cancer — how can I support him?
As published in the June 2019 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My boyfriend wants an open relationship — what should I do if I don’t agree?
As published in the May 2019 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How should I respond when guests make backhanded comments about my nice home?
As published in the February 2017 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My friend’s father acts inappropriately towards me, what should I do?
As published in the November 2018 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My Daughter’s Behavior Has Changed Dramatically After Getting Involved With New Friends
As published in the February 2020 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: I like someone at work- should I go for it?
As published in the June 2020 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How can I avoid being a lonely empty-nester?
As published in the September 2019 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: I’m So Upset at How People Behave in Public
As published in the April 2020 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My neighbor’s dogs are always barking! What do I do?
As published in the September 2020 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How can I help my sister find her own path in life?
As published in the October 2019 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: Should I help my mother find love again after her divorce?
As published in the March 2019 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My friend won’t talk to me now that we’re roommates — what should I do?
As published in the January 2019 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: Should I go to college next year or wait until I have more money saved up?
As published in the January 2018 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My husband works ALL the time — how can I tell him I can’t live like this anymore?
As published in the March 2018 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My Son is Throwing Away His Life!
As published in the March 2020 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: I’m newly divorced, how do I date online?
As published in the November 2020 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How Do I Handle a Manager That Yells at Everyone?
As published in the February 2020 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My roommates won’t leave me alone. How can I work in peace?
As published in the July 2020 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: I’ve been kind to our neighbors, why do they still ignore me?
As published in the September 2020 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How can I support my depressed friend?
As published in the May 2019 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: I think my husband is an alcoholic — how can I help him?
As published in the September 2018 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How should I discipline my son when he doesn’t do his chores?
As published in the August 2018 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How can I stop my extended family’s bad behavior at family gatherings?
As published in the January 2019 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: I’m tired of waiting for a proposal! What should I do?
As published in the August 2020 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: I have the best neighbors ever! How do I thank them?
As published in the September 2020 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: It’s my first Christmas with my mom in a care home, how do I keep our traditions alive?
As published in the December 2020 issue of Connections
Ask Kari: If someone you barely know gifts you, are you required to gift back?
As published in the December 2020 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: I’m bored with our big family holiday gatherings. Do we still attend this year?
As published in the November 2019 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How Can I Make Plans for an Unpredictable Future?
As published in the August 2021 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My daughter is rushing into marriage, how can I stop her?
As published in the January 2021 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: I want to go to college but I’m afraid I’m too old. What can I do?
As published in the October 2020 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My husband is chatting with strange women on Facebook — what should I do?
As published in the June 2014 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How to Deal with Back to School Stress?
Dear Kari, I am enjoying the freedom of summer, but I am beginning to feel stressed about getting my kids back on a schedule for the upcoming school year. How can I get my family to smoothly return to our past system of helping around the house and a bedtime routine?...
Ask Kari: How do I mend things with my sister?
As published in the November 2021 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: How Can I Help my (Adult) Child?
Dear Kari, How do you deal with an adult child (age 24) who refuses to get a job because of COVID and refuses to pay the rent we asked him to contribute, even though he has plenty of money to do so? We would like him to get out on his own, but he is not taking the...
Ask Kari: I have a secret
Dear Kari, I saw my best friend’s husband on Tinder looking to hook up and date people. What should I do? Do I tell her? If I tell my best friend her husband is cheating, I am scared I will lose our friendship. Help, please tell me what to do. – A Friend with a Secret...
Ask Kari: I’m lonely
Dear Kari, Help, I am feeling so lonely and defeated about finding love. I am looking for someone to share my life with, but I can’t seem to find the right person. I tried online dating and going to local bars or sports activities, but I still have not met anyone who...
Ask Kari: How do I mend things with my sister?
As published in the November 2021 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: I’m worried about my sister!
Dear Kari, My sister has been heavily drinking throughout the whole pandemic, and I am worried for her. She is married, has a full-time job, and has two small children doing school online, which I know has been stressful to manage. How can I help her gain control of...
Ask Kari: Where do I draw the line with my adult teen?
Dear Kari, My teenage son has been using marijuana in our house, and I am against him doing so. In general, I am against him smoking marijuana; I do not feel it is healthy to use. He tells me he is 18 years old and can smoke the substance if he wants to. I know I...
Ask Kari: How do I stop ADHD from ruining my career?
Dear Kari, I am soon to be a new college graduate, and I have ADHD. I have always struggled with getting organized for school, but now that I am heading into the workforce, I am scared my ADHD will keep me from being successful in the career I worked for in college. I...
Ask Kari: How do I manage it all, daily?
As published in the June 2021 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: Anxiety Going Back to Work
As published in the June 2021 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: My father and I disagree about politics, can our relationship be saved?
As published in the January 2021 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: I feel so lonely during this pandemic, should I start venturing out?
Dear Kari, I feel so lonely. I have not seen my family or friends in a while due to COVID-19. My family members are staying pretty closed off, and I am honoring their desire not to see people outside their homes. My friends’ feelings about meeting up with others are...
Ask Kari: I am losing my patience with my family during COVID! What can I do?
Dear Kari, Help! I am going crazy with everyone being home all the time. COVID-19 is making me lose my patience with everyone in my home. It seems like once I clean up an area of the house, someone walks in right behind me and messes things up again. I have asked for...
Ask Kari: I am so frustrated with people not wearing masks! What can I do?
Dear Kari, I am so confused and frustrated with people who will not wear masks in our community. Why don’t they get there is a worldwide pandemic going on? I feel like I just want to yell at everyone I see at the store who is not wearing a mask. Do you think it is...
Ask Kari: How do I escape my COVID-19 slump?
Dear Kari, I am COVID-19-ed out! I am so tired of remaining at home by myself. I tried the sing-alongs, the dance-a-thons, the happy hours, and the book clubs, but I need people! At this point, I have lost my will to shower and change my clothes, since I never go...
Ask Kari: How do I start dating again during the stay at home order?
Dear Kari, Help! I have been cooped up in my home for the past two months during the stay-at-home order and want to start dating again. How do I go about it without going crazy for any human contact? – Cooped Up and Interested Dear Cooped Up and Interested, Many of us...
How to Cope with Coronavirus Isolation
Kari O’Neill is an Issaquah Highlands resident, a licensed independent clinical social worker, and long-time volunteer writer of our popular Ask Kari column in Connections. As we practice physical distancing, we reached out to Kari for advice on how to cope with...
Ask Kari: Am I a loser if I’m not going away to college?
Dear Kari, I just graduated from high school and I am the only one staying local in my friend group. All my friends are leaving at the end of summer to go to college somewhere else. I feel like such a loser for saying I am going to stay home and working at my boring...
Ask Kari: How do I end a relationship with someone I recently met online?
Dear Kari, I met a new man online at the beginning of summer and now I am ready to end the relationship. How do I end it without any hurt feelings? Moving On Dear Moving On, It seems that you enjoyed the dating relationship enough to keep it going for a few months,...
Ask Kari: How can I convince my teenage son to not overload himself with too many advanced classes?
Dear Kari, My son is in high school and recently registered for classes for the next school year. He and I struggled with the classes he should take, as he is fearful that if he does not take all advanced classes he will be a failure in life. I have tried to reason...
Ask Kari: I lost sight of the goals I set for myself for the new year – how do I get back on track?
Dear Kari, I started off the new year with plans for “a new me”, and now I have hit a roadblock. I have lost my motivation to work out, be less anxious, and respect myself more by having good boundaries with others. Help! How do I get back on track? Floundering in...
Ask Kari: How can I stop my child’s soccer coach from being verbally abusive?
Dear Kari, I am very concerned about my child’s soccer coach and how he interacts with my daughter. My daughter is on a select team and they all work very hard to grow their skills and win games, but it never seems to be enough for their coach as he yells at them...
Ask Kari: How can I encourage better parent supervision of our neighborhood children?
Dear Kari, I am getting tired of the children in our neighborhood being left unsupervised. Lately, since it is summer and school is out, I noticed that more parents are allowing their children to play outside, which I understand, but some of the kids are too young to...
Ask Kari: After only dating men, could I be attracted to my same-sex coworker?
Dear Kari, I have an unusual situation going on. I have been spending a lot of time with a friend at work and I really like her, almost too much. I am a female and I consider myself heterosexual, but sometimes when we hang out and lay near each other watching...
Ask Kari: How can I move forward after my son lied about being gay?
Dear Kari, My son who is twenty recently told me he is gay and that his best friend is actually his boyfriend. I feel like he has been hiding the truth from me, as a few times in the past I asked him if he was gay and he denied it. I feel like I have always been...
Ask Kari: Should I get a therapist to help “fix” my gay daughter?
Dear Kari, My 17 year-old daughter thinks that she is gay. She had been hanging out with a new female friend who is gay, and apparently they have begun a “relationship”. I am beside myself, we are a Christian family and this is against God’s beliefs. I have forbid her...
Ask Kari: I don’t condone my sister’s gay lifestyle and now she won’t speak to me — what should I do?
Dear Kari, My sister is gay and has a partner that she lives with. I love her, she’s my sister, but I don’t condone her lifestyle and I do not want to include her partner in events with my family. There is nothing wrong with her partner; I just don’t want my children...