It's been almost three years since my mother died, and my father has slowly been working himself back into seeing new people, but it's starting to cause major family drama. I'm 23 and live on my own in a different city, so this doesn't bother me much. But my 17 year old sister still lives with him, and she's really upset that this is going on. To make matters worse, the latest person he's seeing is my sister's favorite teacher from school. What can my dad do to ease this transition for my sister? What do both people deserve here? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 1, 2009 - 34 answers

So, I'm getting divorced. I have 2 daughters, who I'm kinda terrified to tell. I'm hoping Ask.Me might be able to provide some tips. [more inside]
posted by Richat on Apr 2, 2009 - 27 answers

My wife's battled depression for a while, and though she rallied and had a decent few months, she plunged back into the depths of it for the few weeks around her recent birthday (which seems to happen every year, but this year was the worst yet). She had us cancel any birthday plans, cake, etc -- didn't even want anybody to say "happy birthday". After asking a few times and receiving this same answer, I went along with it; it was her birthday, after all. Her mood has lifted since then, but she still doesn't want her presents -- says to return everything, and shuts down when I bring up the subject. Fine, I can return them, except for one, a custom order meant as a present from our four-year-old (call her "Olivia"): a set of coasters printed with Olivia's scanned artwork. What do I do with them? [more inside]
posted by UtterlyDrained on Aug 11, 2008 - 65 answers

Is it right to divorce a depressed spouse? [more inside]
posted by UtterlyDrained on Dec 4, 2007 - 60 answers

Are differing views on having children a deal-breaker for a relationship when the thought of starting a family doesn't come into play for 5 years? [more inside]
posted by designmartini on Nov 11, 2007 - 53 answers

My boyfriend has recently been diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Alone this is something to come to terms with but on top of this i have just found out he has been lying to me, which has made me question my whole relationship and the very foundations it has been built on. I have no idea what i should do... [more inside]
posted by rainbow_2006 on Feb 14, 2007 - 79 answers

How do I best get acquainted, and develop a good relationship, with my boyfriends' kids? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 14, 2007 - 13 answers

Child number two will be born in about a month and a half. Any advice for making the jump from having just one kid to having multiple?
posted by taumeson on Dec 1, 2006 - 18 answers

The wife and I are probably breaking up. We've been together for a few years for the benefit of one kid, and another one is due this month. The problem - her family is on one coast, mine is on another. We are near mine. I'm concerned that she might just pack up and take our kids.

Is there anything I can do to keep her from leaving town? We've just bought a house, and I have no job prospects if I have to follow her to be with my kids. She hasn't worked in years, and we're here primarily to make a good living. If she leaves, I feel she will find a way to use this against me.
posted by anonymous on Jan 26, 2005 - 21 answers