DEAR ERIC: A couple of years ago I reconnected with a high school friend. We are in our 60s. We occasionally get together for coffee or dinner, but I find myself making excuses not to meet. This ...

Asking Eric offers advice on coping with a family member’s hurtful joke about a child and confronting a friend’s dangerous drinking and driving habits.

Asking Eric: Brother-in-law will say it was a joke, but what he said about my son is unforgivable Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110.