Don’t panic and give up your lake life so fast

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/09/2025 (370 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I completely packed up and came home from the lake much earlier than any other year. I felt tears coming while driving away because of how much the smoke has put a damper on things. I can count the number of visits I made this summer on one hand, and that includes weekends where I came home partway through, because the smoke was so strong.

Some of my favourite neighbours have already sold and, to be honest, it just won’t be the same without them. What can I do to stop myself from sliding into a big rut? I almost feel like selling my cabin, too. I’m past camping in tents and my back wouldn’t want be up to it, anyway. Poor me! Listen to me cry over worst summer of my lake life. Any suggestions for next year?

—Smoked Out, River Heights

Dear Smoked: You’re feeling down, but you’re not out. The good news is you might not have to break up with your lake. Take the pressure off yourself right now and get into a “wait-and-see” healing period. No decisions are needed right now. If you do end up selling you could buy a fancy RV or tent-trailer, and you could always reverse the decision down the road and buy a different cabin in a safer location.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: My least favourite guy from my high school years just bought the house right next to me complete with a garage hangout. It’s a thing around here — guys rebuilding cars and trucks, drinking beer — lots of “camaraderie.”

I’m definitely not part of that scene. I’m a nature photographer and I love the quiet. I am probably not in the best neighbourhood for me, anymore, but I grew up here. Why should I leave? I’m not the one causing problems for anyone else. How should I handle this?

— Naturalist, Winnipeg

Dear Naturalist: Be friendly to the car enthusiasts next door, but also ask yourself if it’s worth the stress. Moving might start to make a lot of sense, if you really grow tired enough of this situation. Remember though, you are only going to further stress your relationship with these people by being adversarial. Next time you see them outside, put on your boots and go on over there.

Ask a lot of questions, talk about your art and ask to see their garage. They might really enjoy getting some great photos done of them and their vehicles, and it might be fun to do for a change.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.

Maureen Scurfield
Advice columnist

Maureen Scurfield writes the Miss Lonelyhearts advice column.

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