By Jeff Johnson and Paula Forman
ARE YOU OR AREN’T YOU?
Dear Short Answers:
I have a good relationship with my ex wife. We’re still co-parenting two teens. She’s often at family functions. But my girlfriend, who likes my ex personally, feels there’s not much room in my life for her. We don’t have children together, don’t live together, and she feels I have history with the ex she can’t compete with. How do I make my girlfriend feel valued while still balancing involvement with the ex?
Between two
Dear Between:
It sounds like your involvement with your previous family is your priority and if that is the case, no wonder that your current girlfriend feels undervalued. If you really care for her then you need to develop a life together. Without commitment, she is merely an entertainment.
AS LONG AS IT DOESN’T SPOIL HIS APPETITE
Dear Short Answers:
How much porn should I let my husband watch? He thinks I don’t know what he’s up to all the time. Shouldn’t there be a limit — like we put on our kids when they watch too much TV?
Tuned in & Turned on
Dear TT:
“How much should you let him watch?” As if…try joining him. Maybe you will both enjoy it.
COMING OUT
Dear Short Answers:
I just found out that I’m gay and I need to come out to my mom. She knows something’s up but doesn’t know that I’m gay at all. I don’t know if she is ok with gay people or not and the girl I like is my best friend who likes me the same way. I’m scared that my mom might kick me out — what should I do?
Sticky Place
Dear Sticky Place:
Coming out to your parents can be very tough. But it may be one of the most important things you will ever do. Being honest with the people in your life means being honest with yourself. Your mom may surprise you and be more accepting than you think. But you should also have a plan in place in case she isn’t. Our fondest wishes are with you as you take this major step in your life.
GETTING HITCHED
Dear Short Answers:
Do you think that it is a bad idea to get married at 18?
Young and In Love
Dear Young:
Love and Marriage, though related subjects, are not the same. Eighteen may be the absolute BEST time to be in love, but wait a while to see if it works to get married.
LIFE, AS WE KNOW IT
Dear Short Answers:
I hate my job but can’t find another one that I like. I can’t quit because I need money. Is this what working is all about?
Help Wanted
Dear HW:
Work is what we do for most of our lives. It is well worth all the time and thought required to find something that, at best, is exciting and, at the very least, engaging.
IN A WORD
Dear Short Answers:
My Boyfriend is going to jail for a year. Should I wait for him?
Lori
Dear Lori:
No.
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.
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