We hear updates from listeners about messy rooms, family gift-giving, post-wedding blues, and one-upping friends. We also respond to questions about whether visiting parents should stay in a hotel, and how to resist a sweet temptation at work. Plus Since You Askers weigh in: How important are your family’s holiday traditions?

Have a question or advice to share? Leave a voicemail or write to us at thesinceyouaskedpodcast.com.

Follow along with Gretchen (@gretchenrubin) and Lori (@lorigottlieb_author) on Instagram for the latest on the show.

Subscribe to Since You Asked on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode.

Since You Asked is for entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for medical, mental health, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional with questions about your own situation. By sending us your question, you agree we may use it on the show and edit it for length or clarity.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re joined by actors and longtime partners Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody to answer listener questions about how to handle a family member who creates drama at get-togethers and how to set boundaries with loved ones. They also open up about their long marriage—the two times they separated, how they found their way back, and the best (and worst) advice that came out of it.

Listen to Mandy and Kathryn’s new podcast, Don’t Listen to Us! available wherever you get your podcasts.

Have a question or advice to share? Leave a voicemail or write to us at thesinceyouaskedpodcast.com.

Follow along with Gretchen (@gretchenrubin) and Lori (@lorigottlieb_author) on Instagram for the latest on the show.

Subscribe to Since You Asked on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode.

Since You Asked is for entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for medical, mental health, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional with questions about your own situation. By sending us your question, you agree we may use it on the show and edit it for length or clarity.

Mentioned in this episode:
“Stop It!” – Bob Newhart sketch on YouTube

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We answer questions about a friend who can’t stop one-upping and the tensions around family gift-giving. We share follow-ups about family secrets and post-wedding blues, and bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert asks, “How do we stop worrying when people we love make bad choices?” And Since-You-Askers weigh in: Do you enjoy getting texts from friends and family throughout the day—or find it annoying?

Have a question or advice to share? Leave a voicemail or write to us at thesinceyouaskedpodcast.com.

Follow along with Gretchen (@gretchenrubin) and Lori (@lorigottlieb_author) on Instagram for the latest on the show.

Subscribe to Since You Asked on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode.

Since You Asked is for entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for medical, mental health, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional with questions about your own situation. By sending us your question, you agree we may use it on the show and edit it for length or clarity.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.