Category Archive

People

“Homeowner”, “renter” or “squatter” – whatever the label, these occupants take the Offbeat wherever they go.

The question that is driving me crazy: “Where is the baby?”

I recently got married and there is one question that is driving me crazy: “Where is the baby?” How do you answer this without getting emotional or rude, and letting them know it is a personal issue?

Living with and loving a picky eater

I really value being able to plan meals and cook at home with and for each other. It saves money, it’s healthier, and I feel like it strengthens our connection. However, it can be frustrating trying to figure out dinner each week with a picky eater. So, here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned on living with and loving a picky eater. (Note, this is primarily for adult picky eaters. I’ve never had to feed a child picky eater… yet!)

The songs and stories about the “other woman” didn’t prepare me for the reality of being one

When I met my husband Harold, I was single and he was in a monogamous relationship. He was unhappy in his relationship, and he asked me to be the “other woman” until he could get out of his relationship and be with me. Against all my instincts, I said yes.

Positive demotions and Mental Health Awareness within relationships

My wife is bipolar. For her, that means a life full of mediocre, less-than-positive, contentment. And that’s all when she is at her absolute best. But we are working on understanding it. We are working together with individual therapists, a psychiatrist, a couple’s counselor, a bipolar support group, and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Family-to-Family classes.

No you did not “turn me,” and other misconceptions about me being bisexual

I’ve noticed over the years that certain trends appear when I’m dating, at least when dating men. Here are the top five misconceptions about my bisexuality, that I feel I have to address…

How do you forgive and forget?

How do you let go of the animosity or even hatred you feel toward a person who hurt you? What are some suggestions for forgiving people who have hurt you so you can move on with your life and feel more like a responsible adult and less like a petulant teenager with a grudge?

How do you reconcile your tattoo needs with those of your partners?

In the span of our relationship, I have developed moderate myalgic encephalomyelitis. I’ve also been clinically depressed since I was about 15. Between the two of those things, there are a LOT of days when it seems easier to give up than keep going. And that’s where the “inspirational tattoo” would come in. When I told my husband what I was thinking, he was clearly swallowing a lot of objections…

How do you get your sexy photos back?

I’m in the unfortunate situation of breaking off a long term engagement. I had gifted him some boudoir photos shortly after we got engaged. Now that we are no longer, I’d like them back but he’s not willing to part with them. Any ideas, thoughts, guidance on getting your sexy photos back from someone?