Judy and Readerdiane, “you might want to consider” is pretty covert. Good strategy, but I’m still trying to quit. And Judy, obviously you brought up the Space Lord right. We’re all thankful.

Katie (sis), do your friends let you get away with that? “Persistently reminding” sounds like nagging (which I also love to do) to me.

Heather, I believe you.

Sara, I see your point. And maybe we should carve out that friend exception, since I genuinely do appreciate it when I get great advice from my friends. But usually I’m asking for it, too, so that makes it okay.

I agree that Jules’s honesty on this and other matters is always refreshing. Not buying that you’re a misanthrope, Jules, but if you say so. And yeah, I see the hidden agenda of all us bloggers: Do this, read this, because I say so. I hadn’t really thought of that. But I know I do it, you do it–we all get hyped about books we love. So why shouldn’t we be bossy when it comes to that?

P.S. Jules: How much do I love the phrase “crap-ass books”? Thank you for that.

Kelly, it’s sweet that you can’t see the utter bossiness in me. I am a prime offender. I mean *was*. Was. Working on it here. I admire your restraint with your kids. They will love you forever.

BJ, I can totally picture you saying something like that. You’re the friend people call when they want it given to them straight. We all need a friend like that.

Molly, are you saying you don’t mind the opener “I don’t like to give unsolicited advice”? Or was it just okay that one particular time because of the advice your mom gave?

Patrick, I’m sorry, but I’d rather gouge out my eyes than read Sartre and Camus at this point in my life. Gee, did that come off too strong?

Herb, no comment. But thanks for yours.

Its awfully hard to walk that fine line….