Continuing my series of alternative responses to the New York Times column, The Ethicist, looking at the consequences of one’s actions instead of imposing values on others, here is my take on today’s post, “How Do I Explain to My Evangelical Relatives Why I Avoid Family Functions?” I grew up in a strict evangelical home and participated in our church as a child without fully understanding its principles. As an[…] Keep reading →

Continuing my series of alternative responses to the New York Times column, The Ethicist, looking at the consequences of one’s actions instead of imposing values on others, here is my take on today’s post, “Must I Tell My Long-Distance Boyfriend I Met Someone Else?” I have been with my boyfriend for several years, and I love him very much. We each decided to study abroad for the spring semester of[…] Keep reading →

Continuing my series of alternative responses to the New York Times column, The Ethicist, looking at the consequences of one’s actions instead of imposing values on others, here is my take on today’s post, “Is It O.K. to Get a Dog From a Breeder, Not a Shelter?” I got my wonderful, loving dog from a reputable breeder about eight years ago, but sometimes I feel guilty that I didn’t adopt[…] Keep reading →

Continuing my series of alternative responses to the New York Times column, The Ethicist, looking at the consequences of one’s actions instead of imposing values on others, here is my take on today’s post, “Must Suspicions About Personal Health Be Shared With an Insurer?” I have Parkinson’s disease — at least, I think I do. I have a slight tremor in my right hand, my posture is becoming more stooped[…] Keep reading →

Continuing my series of alternative responses to the New York Times column, The Ethicist, looking at the consequences of one’s actions instead of imposing values on others, here is my take on today’s post, “Should a Friend Have Been Told That His Date Was H.I.V. Positive?” More than 30 years ago, five years or so into a world shaped by AIDS, I had two friends. One of them, “Dean,” was[…] Keep reading →

Continuing my series of alternative responses to the New York Times column, The Ethicist, looking at the consequences of one’s actions instead of imposing values on others, here is my take on today’s post, “Can a Young Woman Vote at Her Swing-State College?” Our daughter just celebrated her 18th birthday and is excited about being able to vote. She is active politically and has strong opinions about many social and[…] Keep reading →

Continuing my series of alternative responses to the New York Times column, The Ethicist, looking at the consequences of one’s actions instead of imposing values on others, here is my take on today’s post, “Must a Mental Illness Be Revealed on a First Date?” I have struggled with mental illness, off and on, for most of my life. It can be debilitating and has resulted in numerous hospitalizations. I also[…] Keep reading →