Dogged determination, bad reviews and fed up

Dear Rachel,

I’m a routine-driven individual. I do well on the same schedule because I don’t have to think about anything. But change things up and I forget essentials. Recently, a friend brought takeout dinner over, but because I didn’t make my dinner I forgot to feed my dogs. (Don’t worry too much, they forgave me.) I realize I’m a bit abnormal. How do more typical people make sure to remember everything they have to do every day?

– Otto Pilot

Dear Cruise Control,

I’m suddenly panicking. Do I remember to do things like feed the dogs because I’m a more typical people? Or do I remember because I’ve cobbled together my own ways of overcoming forgetfulness? Or – and this is worst – do I forget all the time but not realize I forget? I may never know! But I will definitely lose sleep wondering what all I’ve forgotten.

– Set reminder, Rachel

Dear Rachel,

When to leave a bad review and when not? I hate the thought of ruining someone’s chances at a raise. But sometimes, it’s warranted. For example, FedEx just delivered a box, and I thought neighborhood bears had busted into it. Luckily, everything was accounted for. Then I get the email asking for feedback on the delivery. Should I share my experience or just let it slide?

– One Star Human

Dear Valued Customer,

You can’t ruin someone’s livelihood because a box got banged up. Especially since you got the goods you ordered. For all you know, some employee along the chain bravely – perhaps even foolhardily – rescued your package from a permanent “In transit, delivery date unknown” status. I’m imagining them sliding under an oncoming delivery truck, Indiana Jones style, to rescue your package mid-crush and ensure it made it to your door. In other words: go easy.

– Unsigned, unsealed undelivered, Rachel

Dear Rachel,

My sister lives several states over. Her kids’ frequent dinnertime activity is to video call their Favorite Auntie (me) so she can stop whatever she’s doing to watch them dropping spaghetti on the floor or whatever. I’m all for staying connected, but this is blatant distract-the-kids mode. It’s not a conversation, even graded on a toddler curve. How rude am I if I just quit answering?

– Dinner and a Show

Dear Candid Camera,

Not rude at all. Your sister will just pop on “Bluey” or something else to keep the little rascals entertained. They can’t be THAT upset, especially if they aren’t even able to hold up their end of the chatter. But if your sister is remembering to feed the children every single evening, maybe she can give advice to that person who forgets to feed the dogs?

– Out to lunch, Rachel