Advice Column

I’m 25 and my girlfriend is 23. She has a noticeable facial scar, and my family has always made jokes about it because they have a dark sense of humor. I kept telling her that’s just how they are and that they didn’t actually mean anything by it, but she’s never liked being around them because of it.

A few months ago, my parents hosted a big birthday dinner for my dad and I really wanted my girlfriend to come. She was hesitant because she was worried my family would say something rude again. I reassured her that everything would be fine and told her it mattered to me that she be there. She finally agreed, but she warned me that if my family crossed the line again, I better not defend it or minimize it.

[Read more…] about “My girlfriend got upset over my family’s joke cake”

My wife and I had a really ugly fight recently. We kept it private at first because my parents were visiting. During those few days, she became distant with them too and barely spoke unless necessary.

Then her parents suddenly came over, and I realized she had been sharing every detail of our fights and relationship problems with them. What started as a private issue between us turned into a confrontation between both families. My wife and my mother got into a loud argument in front of everyone. I tried to stay calm at first, but eventually I snapped too and said hurtful things. At one point, her parents even suggested that if we do not want to stay together, we should separate.

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I used to think people were exaggerating when they said some women only care about money, status, or what a man can offer until I experienced something that changed my perspective.

I liked a girl I worked with. We sat next to each other, and from the beginning there was obvious mutual interest. But over time things started feeling inconsistent. Replies became slower, sometimes she would not respond at all, and the excuse was always that she was busy.

[Read more…] about “A girl I liked chose another guy over me for his money”

I had an affair with a married man for 14 years. The pattern was always the same. He would disappear for months at a time to recommit to his marriage, then come back saying he loved me, couldn’t forget me, and wanted me in his life. This happened over and over again.

Last September he finally got caught and was kicked out of the marriage. He told me to be patient and give him space while he figured out what he wanted because he didn’t want me to be a rebound. Even then, he still came to see me a few times.

[Read more…] about “I spent 14 years waiting for a man who never really chose me”

My sister lives a really sheltered life. She’s 28, makes around $150k as a lawyer, paid off law school fast, and still lives at home. She’s never lived on her own, never really dated, and spends most of her time either with my parents or the same friends she’s had since high school. She’s terrified of “stranger danger” and avoids taking risks in life.

What frustrates me is how differently we were treated. When I was 20 and barely making $40k, my parents started talking about charging me rent. Meanwhile my sister pays for basically nothing besides her own phone and car insurance. My parents buy her things, take her on vacations, let her live completely expense free, and basically cushion her entire life. I also found out my mom lied to me about my sister supposedly paying rent.

[Read more…] about “My sister is 28, makes $150K and lives at home”

I have a 17 year old daughter who wants to go out alone with her friend. They are both 17. I would be dropping my daughter off and her friend’s mom would also be dropping her daughter off, and we would both pick them up afterward. They want to do something simple like go to the mall, bowling, or go running.

My daughter has never really given me a reason not to trust her. She works, is responsible, and even offered to keep me updated throughout the day. The problem is that whenever she hangs out with friends or goes to sleepovers, I usually tell her she needs to include her older sister or the whole family. I’ve told her before that if she has a problem including her sisters when hanging out, then maybe she’s not really for her family.

[Read more…] about “Am I Wrong for Not Wanting My 17 Year Old Daughter Going Out Alone with Friends?”

We’ve been together for six years. Around year three, I cheated on my boyfriend with a close family friend. At the time I had started taking my relationship for granted and honestly didn’t value what I had. He found out and broke up with me. We were apart for months and during that time I realized how good of a partner he really was.

I begged for another chance and eventually he took me back, but I had to promise I would never speak to the guy again. Since getting back together, I have never cheated again and I genuinely haven’t wanted to. I finally understood what I had and I’ve been committed to the relationship ever since.

[Read more…] about “My fiancé has some huge request in order for him to regain his trust. Is his request too far?”