Category Archive

Relationships

Let’s talk about our partners, and how we negotiate sharing our homes and lives with them.

Online dating: some reviews, some tips, some little green ghouls

My ex and I started dating when I was 19, and we were together for seven years. That’s a lot of Formative Time in a monogamous relationship. Now I’m single. And being single is awesome. Dating is also awesome. …Kind of. Sometimes? Well, it’s definitely a thing, and it’s new to me. So, I decided to try out some dating sites. What a trip.

What do you say when your friend calls off her wedding?

A dear friend of mine was all set to get married after getting engaged earlier this year, but recently ended the relationship and called off the wedding. I reached out to let her know I was there for her, and to let me know if I could do anything for her. But I just don’t know what to say to comfort her, especially as I plan my own wedding. Has anyone else experienced this? I’d love your insight on how I can help her out during this extremely trying time.

Christmas: Emotional baggage topped with a bow

My fiance and I are from different cultural/religious background. He’s Jewish, and the closest thing I have to a set religious upbringing is Catholicism. What we both have in common is a tendency towards atheism and skepticism. We had a number of discussions about various holidays, but there was one issue that we never could get resolved: Christmas.

Melinda and Paul talk marital teamwork, solo time, and commuting craziness in the Lone Star State

Since we got married we’ve both graduated — we’re Doctors now! We’ve almost moved a ton. Paul moved from Chicago to a town north of Houston and I followed shortly after I finished defending my thesis. Right now our lives are dominated by commuting. Paul commutes to his job at Texas A&M, and I commute to my job at the medical examiner’s office in central Houston. We drive… and drive… and drive.

Why part-Vulcans make bad partners

I recently came home from a couple’s therapy session that left me sweating through every layer of clothing that I had on. It dealt with the two things that I struggle with the most: emotions and the expressing of them. See, there’s a reason why that guy I married calls me “Foxy Spocksy.” We both believe that I’m part Vulcan.

My husband and I are friends with my ex

I am never quite sure how to introduce Steve to others. So to make everyone else more comfortable I usually say “This is my friend, Steve.” It’s just easier that way. As the relationship moves forward — be it a coworker, new friend, neighbor, etc — eventually they learn who Steve really is. Steve is my ex-husband. And after five years of this we STILL hear how “weird” it all is.

Am I a Grinch or will I find the Christmas spirit someday?

This was our first Christmas in our home and as a married couple. My husband spent almost the entire time talking about all the traditions we were going to start this year and do the same thing every year and how much fun our future kids were going to have and other happy joy joy type silliness. All I kept thinking; I just want to sit on my couch, watch “Downton Abbey,” and forget about Christmas. My question: does all of this make me a Grinch? When I have kids, will I find the Christmas spirit or be even worse?

Has anyone gone back to their maiden name after marriage?

I got married a year ago and changed my name. Now, after a year of honest reflection, I can say that I don’t like it. I’m currently putting out feelers on resuming the use of my maiden name and in the process, I am running into tons of negativity. Have any of you out there stayed married but went back to your maiden name? How did you handle any criticism or negative feedback? Did you feel better once it was done?