Tell Me About It: Friend acts as if dog were human

Question:

What should be done about someone who insists on referring to a dog as a person/child/baby when it is done without any indication that it's a joke? This person is fully aware that other people are expecting actual, real children, and that they don't like the equivalency the dog person is creating. Grin and bear it, or say, "Please stop equating your dog with this baby"?

Answer: Do you really want to be the one who puts a value on someone's attachment to his/her dog? Leave it alone. Be happy for anyone who feels love.

Maybe this person's attachments/passions/values don't add up, in your opinion, but unless you're at the gangplank of the ark and the rain is coming down, there's really nothing to be gained by prioritizing your affections over others'.

Q: I QUIT! So I have decided to leave my job to go into business for myself. Got the space all picked out, took care of leases and insurance. I have the support of my friends and family.

My issue is with my current employer. Before me, he went through six employees in two years, so it's a well-known fact that he can be mean (profanity, throwing things, etc.). But it's been swept under the rug for the last 10 years. I've worked for him for years, and it has finally taken a toll.

There's a good possibility that when I tell him, he will fire me on the spot. He definitely believes in payback; he recently cut my hours by a third as punishment for something. Do I tell him he's a large part of the reason I'm leaving? Or do I bow out gracefully and say it's because I can no longer afford to work part time?

A: Long situation, short answer: Never burn a bridge. This was a great opportunity for you, you're excited for the new challenge, and you will remain grateful for what working for him has taught you (about the merits of Kevlar Fridays).