Short Answers

By Jeff Johnson and Paula Forman

TIES THAT BIND

Dear Short Answers:
My boyfriend and I live together and are thinking about getting a domestic partnership so I can save money by going on his health insurance plan (it is way better and cheaper than mine). Do you think this is a good idea? It is not very romantic and I don’t want to jinx anything, aka never get engaged, married. Do I get a ring? Do we have a ceremony? Am I somehow taking something away from gay couples? Help!
Pre-nuptial

Dear Pre:
A legal domestic partnership agreement is a way to formalize a strong commitment between two people when marriage is not a legal or logical option. It is not something to be entered into lightly and it is definitely not for the sole purpose of obtaining benefits. Ceremony? Ring? It’s all okay with us as long as you are serious about your intentions.

DON’T PUSH THE RIVER

Dear Short Answers;
I’m currently a senior in High School and the year is coming to an end. I have had a really close friend since second grade and we are slowly drifting apart. I am going to college across the country next year, should I let the friendship die or should I work to make it stronger so that we can still chat and hang out during vacations?
Ivy League

Dear Ivy:
These things tend to have a life of their own.  Drifting apart for a while may just be part of the ebb and flow of this relationship. Don’t fuss. What will be will be.

WHEN IS OLDER TOO MUCH OLDER

Dear Short Answers:
I’m 18 years old and I like this girl who is 15. Is this ok? I know that we are only three years apart but we are at very different times in our lives. I’m about to graduate high school and she is a freshman in high school.
Older Man

Dear Older:
There will be many obstacles to this relationship. The one that you raised — and many, many others.  Do as you wish, but skies look cloudy.

WHY EVERYONE NEEDS PERSONAL STATIONERY

Dear Short Answers:
Ever since my boss found out that I’m a lesbian, he brings it up all the time. Not in a mean way – he just mentions it and asks me questions. I find it annoying but am too embarrassed to ask him to stop. I’ve jokingly asked him to stop but that didn’t work. I need a serious way to get him understand that I think he’s being rude. But he’s the boss.  What do I do?
Uncomfortable

Dear Un:
Write him a short, friendly note: “Dear ___, I know you mean no harm, but when you talk to me about being a Lesbian, I feel uncomfortable. I’m sure you can understand.  Your friend, ___”

PAST SINS?

Dear Short Answers:
I didn’t get a Valentine present for my girl and she is pissed off.  I think it is a stupid commercial holiday and I think she should apologize for being dumb. What do you think?
A Guy with Principles

Dear Guy:
We happen to agree with you. But she’s your girl, and you shoulda seen it coming. Next year, make your case and win it BEFORE the country goes saccharine — or expect consequences.

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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