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So I did two reaaaaaaally stupid things: 1) got back with a terrible ex, and 2) after re-breaking up with him, failed the breakup dignity test. Hard. Help me get my recovery back on track and stop beating myself up. [more inside]
posted by wreckofthehesperus at 3:00 AM - 24 answers

We had a one on one catch up and my boss let me know he thinks i need more self confidence. I did not say it to his face (was rather surprised and a bit upset) but I disagree. I used to get this comment a lot when I was younger but no one has said it in ages. [more inside]
posted by EatMyHat at 4:47 PM - 22 answers

I'm engaged, I love my partner, and I'm not very into weddings. They just seem expensive and stressful. Can you tell me about your fun, affordable 100-person wedding? (Nontraditional weddings are a-OK.) Bonus points If you can recommend affordable venues in New England or New York/New Jersey other than my parents' backyard.
posted by marfa, texas at 1:34 PM - 25 answers

What do I owe my aging co-dependent parents? [more inside]
posted by TryTheTilapia at 8:56 AM - 22 answers

I’ve been dating an amazing man and I don’t know what to do. He wants to get married. I’m not sure. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:42 AM - 29 answers

I'm a cis female in my early 30s living in the Boston area. I've known I'm queer for well over a decade, identifying as aro-ace. A throwaway comment on New Year's Eve made me realize a series of interactions 2 years ago was a very deep, very intense crush on another woman and I just was in deep denial. Re-evaluation of other events has led me to realize I'm actually interested in women romantically. While this is very thrilling, it is also terrifying because I am introverted enough that I have enough trouble trying to figure out how to meet new people to make friends. I know I want to, but I have no idea what to do. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:14 PM - 5 answers

How do you maintain a new close friendship without either flaming out or fading out? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:14 PM - 6 answers

I am marrying someone whose family is part of a community that really cares about weddings, and specifically ostentatious weddings. Help me buy an inexpensive, but seemingly expensive 'wedding ring' for one-night only! [more inside]
posted by thelastpolarbear at 12:13 PM - 13 answers

Help me succinctly explain to a male friend why this interaction was sexist and gross. [more inside]
posted by i_mean_come_on_now at 10:31 AM - 23 answers

I'd like to include a lady I'm seeing on some ski-based activities that I'll do with my kids this winter. All of us enjoy skiing, and it's a 2.5 hour drive (one-way, assuming no traffic). However, I'm not sure that the lady in question, who I've been seeing for a little over 6 months, is a 'forever' - type relationship. [more inside]
posted by Doc_Sock at 1:56 PM - 30 answers

We invited my MIL over yesterday to talk wedding plans, and she tiraded about how she doesn't think we should be getting married. I feel hurt and offended. What kind of boundaries can I set with her to minimize hurt going forward? [more inside]
posted by unstrungharp at 1:04 PM - 24 answers

My HIV-positive partner is deceiving someone he’s having unprotected sex with about his HIV status. If it were out of sight, out of mind, I might be able to ignore it but my partner seems infatuated with this other person and wants him to socialize with us. I’m disappointed in him and I feel uncomfortable but he said if I tell this guy the truth about his HIV status he will end things with me. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:43 AM - 68 answers

I know someone whose first name is Tara and who habitually pronounces it with a short A, like "tap" or "taxi". Almost everyone she meets politely asks if it's "Ta-ra" or "Tar-a" (with a long A like "tar") so when she tries to explain it's "Ta-ra like taxi" they 100% of the time get a baffled look on their face, like well now I have less information than I did before. Is there a better or different hint or clue she can give? [more inside]
posted by bleep at 9:35 PM - 111 answers

This is a question about psychology/how other people handle their thoughts and feelings partially out of curiosity and partially because this is something I struggle with. When you are in any given situation, do you ask yourself how you feel about it and then allow what comes up in your mind, or do you try to act how you want to feel? Pls see extended explanation as this is a bit complicated. [more inside]
posted by oracleia at 10:56 PM - 11 answers

Are there some well-written books that deal thoughtfully with the topic of aging and the perception of women in society? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:27 AM - 12 answers

My current and very-longstanding OKC account is about to expire. What are the pros and cons of letting my current subscription expire, deleting my profile, and starting a new profile afresh? [more inside]
posted by Capt. Renault at 8:33 AM - 16 answers

Due to my own background I have a lot of difficult feelings about school, and they are rearing their head now that my own kids are school age. Therapy has not been helpful. I’m looking for guidelines and tips about how to manage these feelings in such a way that they do not damage my kids. Blizzard of snowflakes within. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:22 PM - 29 answers

Sometimes I feel blown off by people who on a lot of other measures appear to be my friend. I get that sometimes life happens etc. and I try to be accommodating but I guess I just don't understand that kind of inconsistency as I feel like I'm a pretty consistent person myself. Does it work to talk to people about this sort of thing? Is communication key or will it just make things awkward? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:18 AM - 23 answers

I can sort of afford to live by myself, but I'm hesitant for financial reasons. At the same time, living with roommates (in general) has induced several breakdowns. What should I do? Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by adelaide at 5:28 PM - 32 answers

I have had a crush on a married colleague for about two months now. I’m normally good at diffusing crushes. I think it’s gone during the weekend and then I see him and I’m a high school girl all over again. So far (from his perspective), I’ve clearly tried to avoid any non professional or friendly interaction with him, even though he is really friendly to everyone and best friends with my boss. He must think I hate him a little and must mildly sense how nervous I get around him. [more inside]
posted by kinoeye at 12:40 PM - 26 answers