Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with other

Need help dealing with the neighbor's little boy

HotToddy — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:41:20 -0800

The little neighbor boy thinks our house is the next best thing to Disney World and is over here all the time lately, but I have questions about dealing with other people's kids. Mr. HotToddy and I are in our mid-forties, no kids, and very little experience in dealing with them. There is an absolutely charming little seven-year-old boy across the street who has decided that our house is the place to be. I quite enjoy his company--he's super smart and curious, and generally well-behaved, but, you know, he's seven. Sometimes he doesn't listen to me when I tell him not to do something (don't turn that sprinkler on, don't wave that big metal thing around my dog, etc.)

Also, sometimes I'll be working on something out in the yard and he'll be helping me, and after an hour or so I'd like to go back to working alone, but there's no objective reason that he should go home. I feel awkward saying, "It's time for you to go home now," because he'll just say "Why?" and come up with a reason to stay. He's sweet, but incredibly persistent.

I'm not sure how to handle these situations because 1) I like him and want him to keep coming over, and 2) I'm not sure how firmly it's permissible to speak to other people's kids. What would you say/do in these situations?

No silly putty, please

signal — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:25:40 -0800

What are the most alien aliens in Comics, TV or Movie SF? I am looking for the least human-like depictions of aliens, in terms of anatomy, culture, art, architecture, technology, etc., that you've seen in a movie or tv show —animated or live action— or comic book?
Looking for significant alien roles, not some random muppet in the background of the Mos Eisley Cantina.

Don't wanna have sex, he does, what to do?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:35:48 -0800

My SO wants to have sex, I am not ready. Past reasons included I don't think I will be ready for years. What should I do before I lose this wonderful man? I'm still card carrying member of the V-club. My wonderful significant other wants our relationship to be more physical. I am naturally not a very affection person. We have an engaging, dynamic, warm and loyal relationship. We've been friends before we started dating and I love this man. However, I am not prepared to have sex with him. I've had a past marked by abuse and mental health issues and I am now just coming to terms with being a functioning human being.

I want to be with him, but the more time passes the our arguments about sex turn into resentful periods of silences and frustration. We've been dating for almost a year I love him, but I fear that if "his needs" aren't met we will have no choice but to part ways.

What to do? What to do?

Cheap calls please

djgh — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:52:36 -0800

UK Mobile phone monthly contract recommendations? My current contract with T-Mobile is up next month, and it's costing me way too much.

I need roughly 3 hours and 300 texts a month, but I also need to be able to make short calls and send texts to abroad relatively frequently.

I also travel to Europe and North America around three or four times a year, so ideally roaming would be somehow included or cheap.

Currently I'm also charged for calling Voicemail, so if that would be included, great.

I pay around £45 a month at the moment, but bills have gone up to £70 with roaming. I'd ideally like to reduce my payments.

So, on the basis of that, what can you recommend? I stopped into the Carphone Warehouse, and the guy basically said O2 was pretty good, but didn't really develop anything beyond that.

Less-known nice/sweet/romantic/fun things to do with your significant other

harwons — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:27:46 -0800

What are some less known romantic/fun/sweet/cool things to do with/for your significant other? I know the question is somewhat vague, but please see the extended explanation for a few example that I have in mind. More would be great! (I've seen "It's the little things that count" already but this is a bit different ("less known") and that thread is closed). Here are a few examples I've thought of:

1. Go stargazing. The less-known part: while gazing at the stars, shift your perspective and imagine instead that you are looking down and falling into the star field.

2. But them a small present, say a ring. Pack it in a small crumple of paper. Add about 100 other pieces of crumpled paper into a big box.

3. This one is so silly it's sweet: show up at her door with your hand and wrist bandaged. After she asks what happened, pretend you need the bandage unwrapped. She hopefully will offer to do that, and as she unwraps and you open your fist, a small rose/gift will be revealed.

4. If you have access to a room with skylights, drag a couch where the moonlight will fall at night, and have a makeout session there.

5. Ask the hive mind :) Merry Christmas!

how to deal with aggression from a newbie?

dlugoczaj — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:12:11 -0800

NewCatFilter: We just had a scary incident involving our old and new cats--what's the best response? Much more after the cut. BackStory: Until about three weeks ago, we had two cats: Mouse, nearly fourteen, and Kali, a little over two. My husband brought Mouse to the marriage. She has lived with other cats before, and is generally low-key with them (and with us; she's sweet but dignified and a little reserved). Kali is a wild thing; prefers to be outdoors most of the time, gets very antsy if inside for very long, enjoys a little petting on her terms only, but is not aggressive toward either people or Mouse, except for the occasional playful pounce-and-chase.

Three weeks ago I found Mali in the parking lot at my work and brought her home. She's young (the vet said between one and two years) and very, very affectionate with us--loves laps and cuddling. She had been very low-key with the other cats--occasionally a little nosy when it came to feeding time, but nothing overtly aggressive, and she'd walk the other way if Mouse or Kali growled or hissed at her. She and Mouse had even shared the bed with me and my husband once or twice with no problems.

Last Friday, we had Mali spayed and were told that she was pregnant at the time (she'd been very, very thin when I found her so she wasn't really showing). Since she rallied from the anesthesia, she has continued to be nothing but affectionate with us but is noisier and pushier about it.

Tonight she was curled on my lap, had been purring quite happily, when Mouse came down the stairs. Mali stopped purring when Mouse came in, but I didn't really think anything of it--until Mali suddenly launched herself off my lap and straight across the room at Mouse, hissing and spitting viciously. Mouse had done nothing to provoke her and was completely caught off guard; she retreated and Mali chased her and continued to hiss. I don't know how much actual physical contact was made; my husband and I broke them up. He soothed Mouse (who didn't seem hurt, just upset) and I told Mali firmly that she was a bad cat, picked her up, and shut her in our bathroom/laundry room. (She gave me no trouble with being picked up.) We have since kept her there by herself for a good hour, and we may leave her there for the rest of the night for reinforcement (her litter box and a water cup are there, so she's not kept away from any necessaries).

I'm just freaked out now, and my husband even more so. It may be too early to freak, but it just shocked us both so much since it came out of nowhere and was so serious (NOT the kind of tussle that Kali ever engaged in with Mouse). Am I overreacting? Is Mali adjusting hormonally to no longer being pregnant--and will it get worse? Why does she suddenly feel a need to get territorial or jealous, when she hadn't been at all before? Did we do the right thing isolating her immediately, and should we continue to do so if it happens again (if so, for how long)? She seems to want human attention desperately, so I figure that taking it away is the best consequence. Is there a better one?

I don't want to end up having to give her up--she's so dear with me, and I was so happy about that--but I do not want Mouse to be afraid to live in her own home either, and I know my husband won't put up with that.

Bullet Theory (Not JFK related).

ryecatcher — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 16:23:04 -0800

An empty field. Nothing for miles and miles and miles. And a gun. I shoot the gun. The bullet blasts out of the barrel and doesn't stop until....well, that's my question. Few more details inside. How far does a bullet travel if you assume that it hits nothing, there isn't any wind resistance and whatever else you need to make this as easy on you as possible when doing my thinking for me.

Further, how far would it be before it is rendered ineffective (i.e. bullet wound) but still in motion? Like I could just swipe it out of the air with my bare hand and receive nothing more than a sting and some redness on the fingers?

I hope I'm clear in my question.

Thanks all.

how to clear the list of other users folders from the outlook file menu?

Svea — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 16:39:08 -0800

How can I clear the 'other users folder' list from outlook file menu i have been a nominated delegate for a number of colleagues and bosses in my time in an office. each time being able to manage their incoming email while covering holidays and the like. in microsoft outlook i have been able to do this with them setting me as a delegate and then in my outlook by me using the 'open other users folder' int he file menu.

this list now is quite long and includes people im no longer a delegate for. how can i clear this list of dead entries?

How do you and your significant other deal with one of you being/getting the cold or flu?

sdis — Tue, 07 Feb 2006 22:53:01 -0800

How do you and your significant other deal with one of you being/getting sick (cold/flu/etc)? Does the sick one make any attempt to avoid getting the other sick? If so, how?

Gift Suggestions

turbanhead — Wed, 02 Nov 2005 11:00:38 -0800

GiftFilter: Help me pick out a gift for my wife for her birthday. She doesn't want jewelry, perfume, stock-options etc. The birthday is coming up in two and a half weeks and if it is something I can get in NYC (or in London - will be there in two weeks) even better. Something unique and thoughtful. All suggestions welcome. Price range $50 - $250.

How immoral is "the other woman?"

adrober — Thu, 16 Jun 2005 14:35:35 -0800

Ethics 101: What are the moral implications of being "the other woman?" If someone leaves their lover/partner/wife/husband for you, have you done anything wrong? Note: Don't worry, I'm not Amber Frey. I'm just genuinely curious.