In today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to someone who isn't sure how to help their longtime friend who is suffering from a mental illness.

Every summer since starting college they have worked a summer job that required them to live on-site, a couple hours’ drive away from home. This year, because that seasonal position was eliminated, they have found a job in their college town (300 miles away) and will remain there all summer.

St. Pauli’s Eric Smith (28) features at the top of Olympique Lyonnais’ shopping list, according to a report from Foot Mercato. Lyon are set to lose elements of their defence this summer. Duje

Dear Eric: I have a good friend with whom I get together maybe twice a month or so. We disagree politically, sometimes passionately, but always end our conversation by telling each other that we are still friends and still love and respect each other.

He just sits all day and watches TV or is on his computer. He will pour a drink in the morning and drink all day.

In this Asking Eric, readers navigate the bittersweet feelings of kids growing into independence and the exhausting challenge of supporting a lifelong friend in crisis. Eric shares advice on

Our countdown is on Day 84, which means this 84-yard catch from the man who wore No. 84 is the Saints Play of the Day. Eric Martin went the distance.