The Tantrum: Is Yelling in Front of Kids Okay? Part 2

Once upon a time, when I was maybe 11 years old, my parents had a fight. I don’t remember what it was about, but I do remember voices raised and my mother eventually storming out of the house, yelling something about wanting a divorce.* It was evening, after dinner, and the scene was terrifying to …

Letter to an Italian Restaurant

Dear Giuseppi (or was it Giovanni?): We were enchanted by your Italian restaurant in lower Manhattan last weekend. The view over the harbor was impeccable; the rain held offshore and we ate quite contentedly al fresco on your brick patio. We are writing you, first and foremost, to apologize for the linen napkins. I know …