Higher Mathematics

 

By Jeff Johnson And Paula Forman

 

Dear Short Answers:
My wife and I both work and make just about the same amount of money.  We both like our jobs but aren’t in love with them and we’d both like to retire by the time we are 60.  Since I’ve been doing mine longer, I think I should get to retire first.  She didn’t start working until our 3 kids were in their teens.  On the other hand, she thinks that she should get to retire first because she gave up seniority in her career in order to stay at home and raise kids.  We have calculated that I can retire at 62 (2 years past my ideal date) as long as she continues to work until she’s 65.  That seems fair to me but not to her.  What is a suitable compromise?
Ready

 

 

Dear Ready:
Perhaps you have forgotten that being at home and raising kids is work!  We think it would be nice to retire on the same day.  Do the math — both financial and emotional.

BOY FRIENDS AND BEST FRIENDS

 

 

Dear Short Answers:
My boyfriend is cheating on me with my BFF and he does not know that I know that. What should I do?
Upset

 

 

Dear Upset:
Sounds like you better talk to him. In fact, you better talk to both of them — considering that you may have made two poor choices.

A LITTLE HELP, NOT A LOT

 

 

Dear Short Answers:
If you know two people at work who really seem to like each other but can’t get up the nerve to say anything to the other person (even though they’ve both confided in me), should you try to help them out and get things started?  Or just let nature take it’s course?  I think they would be perfect for each other!
Cupid

 

 

Dear Cupid:
Sure, why not give them a little push.  Just don’t get too invested in the outcome.

DE-FRIENDED

Dear Short Answers:
Why do friends lose touch with us? Does it have to do with not spending enough time with them or is it common for everyone to have friends come and go in their life?
Lonely

 

 

Dear Lonely:
Some people are better at friendship than others. But in general, if you want a friend — then be one. Stay in touch with the people you care about and don’t worry about it if they aren’t as responsive as you are.

RE-INVENTION

 

 

Dear Short Answers:
I am going to be 60 this month and not happy with the way I look. How do I reinvent myself?
Feeling Haggish

 

 

Dear F.H.:
We are great believers in the psychological and physical benefits of diet and exercise. If you feel better; you’ll look better. Beyond that — new hair color, clothes, Botox, or plastic surgery — we support you in whatever makes you feel new and improved.

IS YOUR HEART TALKING TO YOUR BRAIN?

 

 

Dear Short Answers:
How do I know if I’m engaged or married to the “right” person or the “best” person for me?
Unsure

 

 

Dear Un:
If you don’t know, we don’t know.

Life is complicated. “Short Answers” isn’t.

Send a question about whatever is bothering you to [email protected] or go to www.shortanswers.net and a psychologist and sociologist will answer. A selection of the best questions will be printed every week in KonkLife.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]