How do I handle the reaction of my family and (people I thought of as) close friends to the news of my divorce? Lots of special snowflakes ahead.
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 21, 2011 -
27 answers
I'm at a crossroads in my life and am struggling to decide what I should do next. Do I move? Do I stay? How do I make an active instead of a passive choice?
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posted by vivzan
on Dec 12, 2011 -
21 answers
Brother was laid off by new owners, had a verbal agreement with previous owner to keep both of us, should I stay or go?
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posted by MeatFilter
on Dec 11, 2011 -
12 answers
Acute anger treatment. Have you sought it or helped a loved one seek it? What are some treatment options and/or some family help organizations?
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 6, 2011 -
2 answers
Best Christmas gifts for nearly impoverished older family members (location: northern New Mexico).
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 5, 2011 -
16 answers
Please help me plan a (grown-up) family vacation for this Xmas in the New England area (Connecticut and north, probably?). This
"Winter fun for the Non-Skier" list is a good start, but I don't really know how to put something together into a reasonable itinerary.
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posted by unknowncommand
on Dec 5, 2011 -
5 answers
Are there such things as Mutual Adoption Clubs as imagined in Aldous Huxley's novel,
Island? I'm looking for something like this, also similar to a Kibbutz or Co-op where a few families that are close friends live near each other (Sharing a house, being neighbors, living in the same apartment building, or maybe just in the same neighborhood). Families share child-rearing responsibilities primarily. Does anyone do this in a more-or-less structured fashion?
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posted by cman
on Nov 29, 2011 -
9 answers
How can I take a more active role in my aging parents lives? More details and thoughts on finance and marital strife, and lack of open communication inside.
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posted by filthy light thief
on Nov 29, 2011 -
7 answers
I am concerned about my nephew's strange behavior. He paces a lot, is extremely antisocial, and exhibits other odd behavior.
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posted by ElizabethEllis
on Nov 27, 2011 -
38 answers
I was overjoyed to move several hundred miles away from my parents. Recently, they've decided they want to spend more time with family, and as of this week they'll have driven to see us three times in a year with little to no notice. Is there any reasonably graceful way to discourage/reduce these visits?
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 19, 2011 -
42 answers
Regarding family and friends, how have you been able to let go of dark/problematic pasts, and moved forward?
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 18, 2011 -
15 answers
I want to move in with my partner and move on with my life, but I'm stuck in needing approval from parents with beliefs I can't agree with. How can I handle this in a kind but firm manner?
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 16, 2011 -
28 answers
My sister is addicted to anti-anxiety pills. I have no clue where to start to help. What should I do?
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posted by theholotrope
on Nov 15, 2011 -
15 answers
I feel alienated from my parents, and wish to be at peace and move my life forward, with or without them. What to do from here?
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posted by dolce_voce
on Nov 14, 2011 -
8 answers
Looking for a printed explanation to give to my son and ex-daughter in-law why using their kids as cudgels against the other is bad for the kids.
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posted by Pecantree
on Nov 13, 2011 -
7 answers
My aged parents are planning to cash in all their stocks and put them into an account in my two brothers' names to reduce the amount of money payable in fees to the government upon their demise. They have told me, more or less, not to worry, and not to doubt the good intentions of my siblings. How to respond to this?
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 10, 2011 -
30 answers
My mother never met her birth father; in fact, she's never even seen a picture of him. She really wants to get a photo of him. How can I make this happen? Complications inside.
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 9, 2011 -
10 answers
After about one day visiting my family, I get very emotional and remain on the verge of tears for the rest of my visit. Once I've reached this point, talking about anything, even the most mundane, makes me cry. I have never experienced this except with my family. It can last for days. What causes this? What can I do to prevent it? What can I do to recover from it? Can you explain what is happening to me?
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posted by valeries
on Nov 8, 2011 -
18 answers
This has been bothering me for a few years. I'm really sad, and a bit angry, that I don't have my own traditions. What I mean, is that I have no reason to do anything since the "grown-ups" already do everything. I don't know if I can take it much longer.
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posted by midnightmoonlight
on Nov 8, 2011 -
68 answers
How can I- or can I- help my younger brother, who I live and work with? He's in danger of losing his job, and doesn't seem to be taking it seriously.
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 7, 2011 -
26 answers
My mother is an alcoholic. It has become painfully evident that I need to set clear boundaries with her. How do I do this without hurting my siblings?
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posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs
on Nov 6, 2011 -
12 answers
How can you "fake it" or "power through it" or "put on a brave face" to make the holidays as normal as possible, when other people depend on it?
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 3, 2011 -
26 answers
Suggestions for non-partisan charities that I can tell my siblings to donate to in lieu of a a Christmas present and advice on telling them I'll be doing the same for their presents?
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posted by otherwordlyglow
on Oct 27, 2011 -
36 answers
How do you learn to get along with family members (blood-related and by marriage) with whom you apparently have nothing in common?
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 26, 2011 -
50 answers
My brother was scheduled to have knee surgery, but has just lost insurance coverage. How can I help him?
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posted by Vorteks
on Oct 26, 2011 -
16 answers
How to best reach an agreement on a fair settlement percentage after the sale of our family home?
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posted by zenpop
on Oct 25, 2011 -
19 answers
How do I petition the court to become my little brother's legal guardian in New Jersey? A little background: My mother has a terminal disease, which may also cause her to be mentally incapacitated at some point (thanks in advance for the condolences). My little brother is 15 and lives at home with my mom. My mom has made it clear to myself and people around her that she wants me to become his guardian after she dies. But, I have had little luck figuring out the actual legal process for initiating the process.
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posted by runcibleshaw
on Oct 24, 2011 -
17 answers
I recently visited my mother and noticed that while she has an extensive collection of family photos on display, there are none of my partner and/or me.
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posted by kamikazegopher
on Oct 18, 2011 -
30 answers
My mother's liver is failing, but nowhere near as fast as expected. She has been in home hospice care for two and a half months. My aunt wants me to take her to the doctor but I feel like the physical toll on my mother outweighs any probable benefit. Am I doing the wrong thing? What do I tell my aunt?
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posted by polyhedron
on Oct 13, 2011 -
16 answers
You know those facebook friends who you rarely hear from? How weird is it to ask them why it is you never hear from them?
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 11, 2011 -
53 answers