My friend's on-again/off-again nonstop crazy drama relationship just turned physically abusive six days ago. Now they are separated, again, and hopefully for good. I have reason to believe that the separation won't last, and I don't know how I could or should deal with that. Please help. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 9, 2009 - 13 answers

Drafty castles, stone construction, floors strewn with rushes, noble ladies' trailing gowns... Anyone who's read any historical fiction set in the Middle Ages is familiar with these popular Medieval motifs, but I have been troubled by a number of questions about these items. Perhaps we have some period history mavens who can ease my confusion? (Warning: Long! Strewn! Possibly moldy.) [more inside]
posted by taz on Sep 23, 2009 - 28 answers

How can I tell if my friend's fiance is an abuser and if he is, what can I do to help her realize she needs to leave him? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 11, 2009 - 29 answers

My cats and I have a good thing going. Will introducing a puppy make them hate me forever? [more inside]
posted by muscat on Jul 30, 2009 - 19 answers

Is it possible to be a domestic goddess AND have a full-time job? If so, how? [more inside]
posted by cloudsandstars on Jul 22, 2009 - 27 answers

My friend and her ex-boyfriend got in a fight, he got violent and beat her up pretty bad. She got in the car with their baby and fled cross-country to stay with her parents. There is a hearing next month to determine custody of the child, and she doesn't want to lose the kid to what is likely going to be an abusive father. Lawyer up, right? Problem is, not a lot of money. Can you point me to any organizations in California that provide pro-bono / sliding-scale / low-cost legal aid services for abused women? [more inside]
posted by sergeant sandwich on Jun 28, 2009 - 10 answers

Do cats get hayfever?
posted by cameronfromedinburgh on Jun 22, 2009 - 12 answers

Is there a sanitary way to reduce our daily dishwashing? [more inside]
posted by katala on Mar 28, 2009 - 25 answers

In one of the early Nancy Drew books, circa 1931-2 or thereabouts, Nancy takes care of an elderly guy ( I think that's the scenario) and actually cooks and cleans for a couple of days at his house. Which book would it be? [more inside]
posted by ragtimepiano on Mar 15, 2009 - 9 answers

I'd like to read some good books, preferably autobiographical, about managing a household in hard times. [more inside]
posted by Catch on Feb 15, 2009 - 29 answers

I think that my downstairs neighbour is being abused by her partner. I want to help her. But I'm not sure of the facts - I have no evidence. I don't know what to do. [more inside]
posted by finding.perdita on Nov 28, 2008 - 29 answers

How do changes to the tax rates correlate with changes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and how are those changes forecasted? [more inside]
posted by brandnew on Oct 14, 2008 - 4 answers

My friend has just confided that her new husband is often verbally abusive, and occasionally physically abusive. I honestly don't know how to help. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 1, 2008 - 35 answers

This morning, my neighbors down the hall had an extended, high-volume fight. It frightened me in its intensity and content. I called the cops and slipped a note under the door when the aggressor left. Is there anything else I can or should do? [more inside]
posted by minervous on Apr 16, 2008 - 37 answers

If I really wanted to "live free or die," what country/city/region is my best option? Assuming a normal human life with normal services* without purchasing a farm, where does a person on Earth have the most rights? (Electricity, running water, food, internet)
posted by clango on Feb 27, 2008 - 41 answers

Domestic violence filter : Please help me to cope with my abusive und violent brother. My twin brother gains satisfaction from ruining my life. What shall I do? (lengthy explanation) [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 30, 2007 - 38 answers

Domestic help? How much? Laundry, dishes, beds, straightening up, occasionally driving the kids to the sports practices. [more inside]
posted by terrier319 on Dec 26, 2007 - 9 answers

After a run of reading somewhat serious, oftentimes depressing fiction and nonfiction, I'm looking for something more domestic. Have any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by LoriFLA on Aug 29, 2007 - 19 answers

How important on a long-term basis is choosing an airline to work for? [more inside]
posted by its just me on Jul 12, 2007 - 3 answers

So. We've upgraded to a two-bedroom flat and can now justify a cleaner. Any recommendations for a good weekly domestic cleaner in London? We're in W3.
posted by goo on May 12, 2007 - 2 answers

I was in Mexico for three days with my boyfriend when he because physically violent. It was the first time he had ever done so. I have the bruises and cuts from earlier today. Because the incident took place in Mexico, US police say they cannot do anything. Do I have any options at this point? We're both applying to law schools, and the ABA has strict policies against criminal backgrounds. He's a criminal, but I don't know what to do. I can't believe he's getting away with this.
posted by Mister Fyodor on Mar 9, 2007 - 45 answers

Those with two or more kids: if you had to do it all over again, would you do so, or not? Not counting outside factors like the state of the world and so forth. [more inside]
posted by zek on Jan 17, 2007 - 46 answers

Me and mine are moving in together. How do 2 single wage earners merge their $$ incomes and outflows in a way that keeps it simple for bookkeeping and tax returns? [More] [more inside]
posted by Fupped Duck on Sep 25, 2006 - 21 answers

Why are there no canine equivalents to lions, tigers, leopards, and panthers (etc.)? [more inside]
posted by Sinner on Aug 29, 2006 - 19 answers

My girlfriend's ex is destroying our relationship. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 17, 2006 - 59 answers

I need help finding a book that I read about 15 years ago. I think I checked it out of the Illinois State Univerity library. It may have also been found in boing boing or some other ezine. I don't know the author or the title. It was possibly a farcical or possibly a practical guide to domestic terrorism. It listed the practicalities of hitting domestic targets and what havoc it would wreak.
posted by indigo4963 on Sep 8, 2005 - 10 answers

I am due to move to a new house this weekend but I'm keeping my old property for a month or so afterwards before selling it. My new place will not have a fridge or washing machine etc. I'm trying to find a company in the UK which will do short term rental of such appliances in the Birmingham UK area as I want to keep my existing stuff at my old place. Yellow pages and my google-fu have so far turned up a blank.
posted by empedia on May 5, 2005 - 2 answers