Dear Luz #15

Disclaimer: It’s okay to laugh – this is a humor column! We welcome your Dear Luz questions, but we’re legally obligated to say this is not a substitute for real advice by professionals.

Dear Luz,

I can’t stand when people leave their shopping carts in the middle of the parking lot, especially in cold weather! So, I politely ask them to return it to the cart corral. My husband says I’m being rude, but honestly, I think they’re the ones being rude. Who’s right here? Me, or the person too lazy to walk 10 feet?

–Keeping Parking Lots Safe

Dear Cart Captain,

Oh, I get it. The carts are the real problem in your life. Well, don’t just sit there—organize a whole cart crusade! Round up every stray cart in the lot, drag them to their proper place, and maybe, just maybe, the universe will reward your selfless crusade for order. Go on, be the parking lot superhero we never knew we needed.

Dear Luz,

My best friend is a little much. She can be loud and rubs people the wrong way. She always tells me that I am her ride or die, and while I appreciate that, I feel like that’s her way of saying I must do whatever she asks, and sometimes, that makes me uncomfortable. How do I politely say no without it blowing up in my face?

– A True Bestie?

Dear Bestie,

For a hot second, I thought you were talking about me—loud, unapologetic, and making dramatic entrances wherever we go. We’re basically a walking party, right?

Ride or die means you’ve got each other’s backs—even when you’re rolling in opposite directions. It’s like a 1980s buddy movie: Luz & Natasha = BFFs. Cue the dramatic music.

You care, or you wouldn’t be asking, so here’s the deal: Plan a fun date, then hit her with the truth. Tell her what’s going on, but give her room to spill her tea. Make sure you’re both on the same page.

It’s all about balance—she’s your ride or die, but you gotta make sure you’re not the one getting run over. (See what I did there?)

Dear Luz,

My parents are so embarrassing at restaurants. They always use the flashlight to read the menu. I can’t explain why it’s so embarrassing. It just is. No one else is doing it but my parents. They refuse to get glasses because they say that’s the only time they ever need them, but it makes me want to crawl under the table! How can I get them to understand this has to stop?

–Just A Normal Teen

Dear Light in the Darkness,

Honestly, you’re embarrassed by a flashlight? Your parents are living—and doing it unapologetically. They don’t need glasses; they’re just owning the moment in their own way. You could learn something from that.

Next time, don’t shrink away—step into the spotlight. Grab your phone, flash that light like you’re leading the revolution. It’s not embarrassing, and if anyone’s got a problem with it, that’s their issue, not yours. Own the moment.

Dear Luz,

I believe social media should be fun and entertaining, so I’ve blocked a few people who stress me out. But now, when I see them at my kids’ school or sports events, it’s awkward. What should I do or say? Help!

–Protecting My Space

Dear Blocker,

Ahhhh, the BLOCK! Listen, dig deep and channel the same courage you had when you hit that “block” button. A block is a statement, and trust me, they got it. So now, you’ve got some choices: Own your decision like the social media queen you are, unblock them and embrace the awkwardness like it’s a badge of honor, or ignore, ignore, ignore.

Either way, you’ve already made your point.

To read other Dear Luz articles, click here.

This article was published in the March/April 2025 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.