Ask Rhonda: Handling Jewish Guilt
Dear Rhonda,
One of my best friends is extremely high maintenance and uses guilt when I don’t return phone calls within four hours. Whenever I confront him about it he always has the same answer, “It’s a Jewish thing…I can’t help it.” I love him to death, but as a non-Jew, I don’t get it. How can I get him off my back? Thanks.
John R.
Dear John;
My reply to your naive, yet charming little question is going to be as comforting to you as a real “Dear John” letter. Unfortunately, there is absolutely nothing you can do. Whilst my column was designed to help those in need with helpful tidbits of advice and guidance, Rhonda’s talents and experience are no match for a case of good ole fashioned, eight-thousand year old Jewish guilt. And you wanna know why? Because it works. My advice is that you return his calls within three hours and let someone else take all his grief. And trust me, someone will…
Mazel Tov,
Rhonda
