Susie’s Problem Page

Sergey has a problem:

“My wife can’t stop smoking…”

Dear Sergey,

In reply to your letter I decided to write some helpful lines. It will be only your matter, if you will reject my point of view, my resolve of a problem.

I think every person had or has a problem (-s), which’s better way to get rid off will be listening to the thoughts of others, sometimes, who even coped with these difficulties. In your situation it is better to get know the reasons, prompted and caused your wife to start smoking. It may be anything you haven’t ever expected. In the most cases, when people began doing this, they are having lots of, again, problems, at work for example, in which they are possibly wallowed. It is naturally nowadays. Perhaps, she must be always upset because of her complexes, if she is having such. However, it is possible to be the other way round – she notices any dislikes and oddities at your side, in you. Try to find out all that you have missed in your relationships. Learn each other more in details. Don’t worry about crushing your private life of your frequent talks with her. At all times think about good things, good endings, in spite of hard and incredible beginnings.

So, don’t be sad – better be in high spirits. Believe in yourself. And you will made all that you want, you will convince her of anything, concretely of a harmfulness of smoking. Not only you are having such problem. Good luck!

Take care,

Susie.

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Kudruküla 18-7

Narva-Jõesuu 29052

Estonia

23 April 2002

Dear Susie,

I have heard that you are the best psychologist in our region. That is why I decided to appeal to your help in solving my dreadful, if it can be called so, problem.

This consists in my wife’s new habits, her strange behaviour last time. She works full-day boring job in the travel agency, placed in New York. As for me, it is the same. I come home very tired, being worn out. Not long ago I began to notice some smell coming from her clothes, and herself. After couple of days I understood that it was smoke from cigarettes. It was like a stab in the back to me, because she was the only woman in our family tree, who started smoking. No one even doesn’t want or think of get going to smoke, at a very simple reason of harm to the health. One evening we sat and talked to each other about this. I told wife my opinion on the subject of smoking and she seemed to be in a very bad state, often refusing topic of our discussion.

I do not want to run her over, and would like to get your advice, what could be made in this situation. From one side this is a very simple and silly difficulty, however I might easily ruin our personal life with my spouse, if I will be pressing on her hidden feelings more. I ask for you help. Write to me, please, as soon as possible. I will be waiting impatiently for the reply.

Best regards,

Sergey Golubev.

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Letter of Enquiry

20 October, 2003

Dear Mr. Ivor Dixon

With reference to an advertisement published in the magazine, I write to you to get more information concerning Acorn Activities camp.

I have two children aged 12 and 14, they are fond of swimming and photography. I want to know if there are qualified instructors to teach my sons to swim. Is there the necessity of own equipment, when my boys will take the photographs.

I saw your address in the magazine, however it will be grateful if you tell me where exactly camp is situated: forest, countryside? Also, are there any age restrictions? Do your holiday activities available in August and how many of free places there will be left then? And the last: do I have to pay you some money in advance?

Thanks you for the help. I look forward to your reply.

With respect,

Sergey Golubev.

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A Letter

2 November, 2003

Dear Teddy,

It was very glad to receive a letter from you last week. You have written that you are now interested in music from different countries, as you will have a work next month on music classes by this topic. So, let me help you, with the description of our native Estonian music.

Looking back to the history, you know, never before have Estonian music and Estonian musicians enjoyed as much international popularity as they do today. During fifty years of Soviet occupation Estonian arts (and music) existed largely in separation. The first appearance of Estonian music on the international scene after WWII did not occur until 1960, when Eino Tamberg’s ballet “The Ballet-Symphony” premiered at the State Theatre of Schwerin.

The progress of Estonian music becomes evident when we look at the fairly successful performance of Estonian composers at the International Rostrum of Composers in Paris. Thus, John, you may see how Estonian music has established steady development since the second half of the decade.

The following names are internationally known and respected in the world of classics - Rudolf Tobias, Arvo Pärt, Veljo Tormis, Lepo Sumera, Erki-Sven Tüür… We have different schools of music with their particular ways of development. But in addition to that, we have the local pop culture. However, it suffers from the favourite complaint of cultural life in Estonia — there are too few of us. Of course, that’s a pity for us!

Talking about our modern pop and rock bands, I would say that their popularity is growing. For instance, our best singers several times won European Song Contest (Eurovision) – this is a whole country possession, we are proud of these people, it’s a great pleasure to be a winner!

From my point of view, you will definitely like our music, because, at first it seems to be easy-listening for everyone and quite dynamic.

That is all at the moment. How are you doing? How is your little brother? Remember me to your lovely relatives. Hope to get a reply from you soon.

Best wishes,

Sergey.

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Letter

February 8, 2004

Dr. Mr. Ericsson

Thank you for the letter. It is really a pleasure that you are willing to help me. As you already know I am a local historian writing the research work on the life in my town in the past. I am writing to you in order to ask about getting an interview from you. I want to collect as much information as it is possible.

I would be grateful if we could set up an appointment. It is the best way to do it if the meeting will be held at your apartments. This is for the reason that I want to ask you to show me some old photo albums or newspapers if these great evidences of the past time are still present. Also, do you keep in touch with your old school friends? Because, as a matter of fact, I want many people to get questioned to fulfill my work with lots of data. Do you mind taking a picture of you for the history? It will be definitely good if you allow me to look at your family tree.

I would like to thank you again for your assist. Will you be free on next Monday at 3 p.m. Either suggest another date and time for the meeting. I look forward to hear from you.

Yours sincerely,

Tiit Tamm

Informal Letter

November 19, 2003

Hello Peter,

It was very glad to receive a letter from you. Thanks very much. I’m writing a reply, having some favor to ask of you. I believe Pete won’t refuse his buddy.

I have got such a situation. My old friend, who lives in Oxford, as well as you do, has invited me to his wedding. However there’s some problem persists – I have no place to stay in during this wonderful event, because my John’s house is going to be fully occupied; all his numerous relatives are coming “to the party”.

I have had an idea to ask you to put me up a couple of days in your apartment, of course if you can. Will it be possible? I’m coming there next Monday, so by the evening I will reach my destination then. I will not stay for too long, disturbing you. I know that you have much work to do as it is. Thus, don’t worry. Be happy! :)

That’s all I think. Remember me to every one of your great family. I’ll phone you to discuss all the things in the details a.s.a.p. Thank you again in advance.

Best wishes,

Woody Pecker.

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Informal Letter