Dear Auntie Linda,  I like my job but my boss is toxic.  The workplace is extremely high stress with a high turnover.   The clients ask for me and other staff say they like to work with me.  I have asked my boss if there is anything I need to do to improve my performance.  My supervisor is critical of me to others behind my back, though when I asked for feedback she says I am doing fine. She is training a part-time worker for the job she originally promised me.  What should I do?  Worried but need this job.

Dear Worried.  Look for another job while you still have a job.  It sounds like your boss has no interest in your professional development and has already hired your replacement.  If possible, find another person who is willing to give you a letter of reference.  You are on the way out.  Auntie Linda

Dear Auntie Linda,  My little brother wants to borrow $10,000 for a down-payment on a house.  He’s thirty-eight with a good job, but his divorce wiped him out financially.   I have savings and would like help him, but my wife doesn’t want to loan him the money.  What should I do?  Dilemma

Dear Dilemma,  I am with your wife.  I never loan money.  People who borrow money from family almost never pay it back.  How do you(and your wife)feel about giving him $10,000?  That’s the way you need to look at it.  Auntie Linda

Dear Auntie Linda,  I am a devout Christian and have honored my vows to be submissive to my husband, but he hits me “when I need it”.  We married when I was eighteen.  My mother-in-law is very loving and helpful but I can expect no help from her or our church.  She has no control over her own life.  My father-in-law is the master of his house.  I only see my family twice a year, never alone.  The only time I have away from the farm where we live my in-laws is when I go to town with my husband or get to run errands with my mother-in-law.  I do get to go to the library when my mother-in-law goes to church since one of her friends is the librarian and can account for my whereabouts while she is in the grocery store across the street.  I have to get away to save my life.  Where do I turn for help?  Prisoner in my home

Dear Prisoner,  Get in touch with the nearest Domestic Abuse Hotline.  You should be able to find it on the computer.  Be careful.  Abused women are in the most danger when they are trying get away, as you probably well know.  Good luck and be careful who you confide in.