Dear Wendy

Nude strappy!

My weekends aren’t usually so exhausting as this past one, but they do always revolve around caregiving as any parent’s usually does. To have a morning to myself to go to an exercise class and run errands in peace really is a morning of leisure these days (and I do get those mornings — Drew and I take turns taking time four ourselves — I just didn’t get it this weekend is all). I just wanted to give a little perspective. If you’re single and childfree and don’t have anyone else to worry about or schedule your weekend around — difficult parents, aside — try to appreciate the “me time” you get, even if it feels busy. I definitely try to enjoy the family time I have, even when it feels so exhausting. All these stages in life pass, after all…

@Veritek, that guy sounds bonkers, and to be honest, I thought he seemed a little bonkers on date one when he whipped out his phone and named a star after you or whatever. I mean, sure, that’s a cute gesture on, like, date four or five maybe, but on date one (and not even after the date, but during it? And not even during one of those marathon 12-hour dates like in that movie Before Sunrise where you feel like you’ve known each other forever, and even then, I think it would be sweeter if he bought it afterward and told you about it later as a surprise)? Kinda weird. I would have considered that a red flag. As would I consider the multiple date cancellations over the course of, what, three weeks? I think you had two dates? Really, at that point, not only is it ridiculous to expect anyone to be declaring relationship status on Facebook and turning off his or her dating profile, it seems a little premature to be buying each other gifts or making plans to spend holidays together, all of which I think you did (correct me if I’m wrong)? I hope it doesn’t sound like i’m picking on you here. I just know that you’d very much like to be in a relationship and seem frustrated by the dating patterns you find yourself in/ the kind of guys you seem to meet, so I want to point out how you might be ignoring early red flags and perhaps waving a couple yourself. In this case, you didn’t scare off anyone you might have potential with, but in the future, with a different guy — someone you very well could have potential with — coming on too strong (making plans to spend holidays together — with the exception of NYE — and birthdays together, buying gifts, etc., before, say, a third or fourth date) could scare him off. Don’t be afraid to go slow. Someone you’re meant to be with will appreciate that and will stick around!

Ok, no more interacting or name-checking Sarah unless you directly asks a question. Sarah, despite your name-calling and threats and wishing us to die, I bet most of us actually do hope the best for you and care for your well-being. I hope you have people in your life you can talk to. You’re welcome to ask for help here, too, but you’d have to stop calling us a bunch of bitches and whores.

Yukon always comes out too gummy for me.

Blue Kate, I quarter two large russet potatoes, boil for 30 to 40 minutes, mash with a fork and masher, add about a teaspoon of salt, about 1/2 cup of milk and a tablespoon of butter or margarine, mash another minute, serves two adults and one kid or two adults with a little leftover for lunch the next day.