Looking for gift ideas for a pollyanna. The theme of the gift is "sweet and sour." Any ideas, mundane or weird are welcome.
posted by furiousxgeorge at 2:38 PM - 12 answers

PsychFilter: What's the term for when athletes tell themselves, "come on you got this!" and it helps them play better? [more inside]
posted by philosophistry at 12:25 PM - 16 answers

How to deal with coming into my own without alienating those I love? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:06 AM - 11 answers

After 20+ years of marriage, my dad wants a divorce. Mom has schizophrenia. Please help me think through this awful situation... [very long] [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:34 AM - 30 answers

Recently I have been having trouble finding enjoyment or excitement in almost all of my regular recreational and social activities. I'm pretty sure I'm not depressed, this is not an overall feeling of hopelessness, as I am petty happy with the general outline and direction of my life. It is more of a specific, lackluster feeling of blandness that has gradually crept into most activities that I supposedly do for "enjoyment." I'm only 25. What gives? [more inside]
posted by the foreground at 6:38 PM - 18 answers

Help me develop sprezzatura, the art of "a certain nonchalance, so as to conceal all art and make whatever one does or says appear to be without effort and almost without any thought about it." The "zen valedictorian" approach, but applied outside of a school setting. Or old-style Hollywood glamour, but updated for our millennium. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:15 PM - 26 answers

I'm considering a great job offer in another state, and what it might mean for my two-year relationship. Help me develop a framework for making some decisions about all this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:18 PM - 15 answers

I think I may have a victim mentality and I'm not sure how to fix it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:00 AM - 10 answers

Feeling abused by noisy upstairs neighbors. Looking for some strategies to let them know we are not doormats. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:44 AM - 57 answers

I've got a big problem. My boyfriend won't stop lying and being dishonest with me. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:54 PM - 25 answers

I can't seem to keep any friends for more than two years. Why do I do this and how can I stop? (somewhat long, sorry) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:54 PM - 10 answers

Who should marry us in New Orleans? I read this recent question, but our situation has a few differences. [more inside]
posted by mostlymartha at 11:54 AM - 9 answers

What resources can I read to understand topics like scientific management, organisational workflows, and other ways of describing and monitoring processes made up of actors communicating amongst themselves to produce an end product? [more inside]
posted by pbh at 9:58 AM - 14 answers

We have an infestation of Christmas carolers. Help! [more inside]
posted by brambory at 9:42 AM - 15 answers

What are some "good will" alternatives to Christmas in Denver? [more inside]
posted by Scientifik at 9:41 AM - 3 answers

Reviewing a vacation property. The owner was drunk the entire time. What would you do? [more inside]
posted by k8t at 8:57 AM - 16 answers

I'm going to marry my friends! In record time! How do I make it meaningful with a five-minute limit? [more inside]
posted by kittyprecious at 8:53 AM - 10 answers

Should I invite my estranged father to my wedding? [more inside]
posted by gauche at 6:21 AM - 27 answers

I have a near-pathological fear of talking to strangers on the phone. My expanded job duties will soon include calling clients. How do I get past this fear? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:06 PM - 27 answers

I have an excellent relationship with my husband. So why am I in love with his best friend? And what, if anything, should I do about it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:10 PM - 30 answers