My sister and I have said that it’s sometimes kinder to just keep your mouth shut if all you have to offer is useless and mean criticism.

My mother has been horribly critical of everyone all my life, including myself. I’m 50, and am constantly being criticized, often in front of others, for the way I laugh, that she can hear me chew food,

"I dread the day she becomes dependent on me, the only family in the area, to take her shopping and on errands and for any care."

Dear Eric: Valentine’s Day is approaching and members of my family and friends send me “Happy Valentine’s Day” texts, knowing that I am a widow. They claim that Valentine’s is for everybody, not just couples. I feel otherwise and this just rubs salt into my wounds. These wishes feel to me very thoughtless and insensitive. How do I respond?

Dear Eric: Valentine’s Day is approaching and members of my family and friends send me “Happy Valentine’s Day” texts, knowing that I am a widow. They claim that Valentine’s is for everybody, not just couples. I feel otherwise and this just rubs salt into my wounds. These wishes feel to me very thoughtless and insensitive. How do I respond?

A widow feels family members and friends are being insensitive when they send Valentine’s Day greetings. Dear Eric: Valentine’s Day is approaching and members of my family and friends send me “Happy Valentine’s Day” texts, knowing that I am a widow. They claim that Valentine’s is for everybody, not just couples.