Columns

A few months ago I found out my dad was having an affair with a woman at his work. I’m 19 years old, going to college, living at home, and pursuing my dream career. I grew up in a loving family and was very close to both my parents. They were my best friends and I considered myself blessed to have them in my life. Last year, my mom came home from work white in the face saying that my dad had called her and confessed that he “may” have kissed someone at his job. Needless to say there were a lot of tears, a lot of screaming, and a lot of…

It’s time again for Shortcuts. For every question, I’ll give my advice in three sentences or less, because sometimes the answer to a person’s question is so obvious and the need to hear it so great, being as clear and frank as possible is simply the best way to go. Today we discuss cutting the apron strings, clumsy behavior, and dim sum.

In a feature I call “Your Turn,” in which you, the readers, get to answer the question, I’m presenting the following letter without commentary from me: A week ago, I ended an eight-month relationship with “Matt.” We have a great connection and care deeply about one another, but I felt that Matt had very little time and effort to put into the relationship. Finally, last weekend, I took a leap of faith and didn’t make plans for us, in hopes that he would make an effort to see me. He texted me throughout the weekend to say hi, but never made a concrete plan. Sunday afternoon rolls around and I realize that…

I have been in a relationship for seven years with the same person (cohabiting for six), and I thought we were very open with each other. We have each other’s passwords and all of that jazz. I just found out (accidentally) that he has been prescribed Paxil. I wasn’t snooping to find out this information; he has his prescription information on my CVS online account, and he wondered if another prescription he needed was ready, so I checked. (I’ve ordered his prescriptions in the past, with his permission, while he was busy at work). I mentioned that his two prescriptions were ready, and he became really weird and quiet about it. I…

In a feature I call “Your Turn,” in which you, the readers, get to answer the question, I’m presenting the following letter without commentary from me: I had an affair with a married woman, “Kelly,” whom I dated back in high school. She left her husband — who now has a new girlfriend — and we have been dating seriously for over two years. Kids are involved on all sides but everyone pretty much knows everything minus details. I am writing because sometimes, but not often, when there is a function for the kids and Kelly knows their dad will be there she asks me to stay away. She is cordial with…

In a feature I call “Your Turn,” in which you, the readers, get to answer the question, I’m presenting the following letter without commentary from me: For the past year I have been in a great relationship, I never thought I would find someone whom I would mesh with so well. However, there is a big elephant in the room that I don’t know how to deal with. About two months ago, I told my boyfriend I loved him (I don’t have the best mental filter and I kind of blurted it out in the middle of an unrelated conversation). He didn’t respond at all — just returned to what we’d be…