Editor’s note: Ask Deanna! is an advice column known for its fearless approach to reality-based
subjects. Ask Deanna! can be heard every Sunday on KTYM AM 1460 at 3 p.m. in Los Angeles.
Dear Deanna!
The weather is getting warm and I find myself in a new situation. I have never been in a relationship during the summer because I know I’m not faithful. I’ve been dating someone for almost a year but I want to end the relationship now with the possibility of resuming the love after the summer. My girlfriend is going to be heartbroken, but I would rather do this than cheat on her as I know I will. Do you have any suggestions on what I should do?
Honest John
On-Line Reader
Dear Honest John:
Why don’t you be faithful instead of acting like a dog in heat just because the weather gets warm? Other than being rude and immature, there is no excuse for your actions. However, you’re being true to your nature but your girlfriend deserves better. If you know you’re going to be unfaithful, respect her and end the relationship and don’t go back after you’ve played in the streets. You should really try to turn a new leaf and keep your current love and let it bloom.
Dear Deanna!
I can’t tell you how tired I am of watching my sister go out with bad guys. She seems to have a magnet on her head that attracts unemployed men, drug dealers and guys that look shady. She has access to decent men in her circle. I don’t understand it. My sister has a college education, a good job and nice friends. You would think that after a while, she would be tired of financing men, getting abused and dealing with drama. How do I get through to her?
Carl
Portland, OR
Dear Carl:
Some women will overlook good guys because they seek excitement, good sex and thrills. These relationships often crash and burn after a financial wipeout, unplanned pregnancy or a few fights with other women. You can help by introducing her to quality men, exposing her to positive relationships and social networking opportunities. The choice is up to her and if she continues the “choke me, pull my hair” lifestyle, then support her and be there when she falls.
Dear Deanna!
I’m the babysitter for my neighbor and the kid’s father is starting to make hints that he wants a relationship. He has given me flowers and we shared a bottle of wine when his wife was out of town. He’s putting pressure on me to be intimate but I don’t feel comfortable in his house. I need to talk to him to see what he wants from me and what his plans are for his marriage. How do I have this discussion?
Stressed Babysitter
Charleston, SC
Dear Babysitter:
The only discussion you need to have is the one asking for your check from his wife and ending your services. This man only wants you for sex because his wife is away working and he sees a willing babysitter. Don’t be flattered by the wine because that was part of his game to get you to give it up. You don’t need to discuss anything with him except the fact you’re not interested and he needs to find another babysitter and keep it moving.
Dear Deanna!
I broke up with my boyfriend over something silly and now I regret my actions. I thought he was cheating on me with my best friend but they were actually buying me a gift. I said some horrible things to both of them and they’re not speaking to me. I want to get back with him but I think he is looking at my friend because she seems more mature than me. What should I do if they start dating? I know it’s my fault but it’s going to tear me apart.
Made a Mistake
Atlanta, GA
Dear Mistake:
You obviously have trust issues if you can’t feel secure with your mate or your friends. Your foolish tongue has caused you to lose your relationship and your friend. The only thing you can do is apologize to both parties and ask your boyfriend for another chance. If he says no and goes with your buddy, then you learned a valuable lesson and if they’ll do this in your face, you didn’t need them anyway.
Dear Deanna!
I allowed myself to get pregnant because my boyfriend convinced me that we would be together and we were going to get married. Now I am almost ready to deliver the baby and he has changed his mind. He moved out of my house and now he’s not working and living with his mother. I am so upset and don’t know what to do. How do I handle this situation?
Anika
On-Line Reader
Dear Anika:
You lost your sense when you decided to fall for the oldest trick in the book. There is no way you should’ve become pregnant without a husband and a plan. You’re getting ready to be stuck with a baby, a bill for 18 years and a stupid looking dead beat dad. You need to look at your resources, get your money and education together and grow up. When the baby is born, have a DNA test, get your child support and be ready to raise your child and keep it moving.
Dear Deanna!
My mother is being taken advantage of by her best friend. My mother is retired, has plenty of money saved up and she’s enjoying the finer things in life. Her best friend is a moocher and makes my mom pay for everything. My mother is lonely and doesn’t have any friends so she thinks nothing of it. This woman is going through her money left and right and I know she’s going to look up and one day be broke. How do I get through to her?
Concerned Daughter
Oklahoma City, OK
Dear Daughter:
Your mother is enjoying life and her friend. Before you place judgment or get in the middle of things ask your mom if she’s preparing for a rainy day. If she is, you can rest assured that she knows what she’s doing and is planning her finances wisely. You’re on the outside looking in and have no idea of their friendship. You can calm down and chill and let you mom and her girlfriend do their thing and feel secure knowing that if she needs you, she’ll let you know.
Dear Deanna!
I’m a bachelor that actively dates and I’m tired of women trying to change me. I go into relationships being honest and direct. After a while, these women want more than I’m willing to give. I don’t have any problems with this but it makes me mad when they accuse me of leading them on, cheating and lying. It is what it is and I stay the same from the first date to the last. What can I do to protect myself from drama when these women want more from me?
Travis the Bachelor
Houston, TX
Dear Bachelor:
You put yourself in this situation by playing the relationship game. If you don’t want them asking for more then you need to stop acting like a boyfriend and treat these women as around the way girls. In other words, if you’re a recreational dater giving your body to all and heart to none, then let them know. Yes, tell them that you’re using them, you don’t want anything serious and you have more than one girlfriend. This will make your life easy and simple because once they hear the real truth, they’ll slam you and keep searching for a real man.
Dear Deanna!
I’m trying to get my life back on track. Whenever I start doing well, it seems like the devil gets in my way. I’m stressed right now because I’m doing things that I know aren’t right. I feel like I have demons inside of me because I always have evil thoughts and think negative about other people. I also have hatred in my heart towards other people but I can’t help it. How do I change my thoughts and my attitude?
Need Help
Miami, FL
Dear Need Help:
You should celebrate the fact that you’re alive with health, strength and a sound mind. Get yourself to a pastor and a church and latch onto the Word and steadfast prayer to be released from the grip of evil. You can get yourself together by surrounding yourself with positive people and focus your mind on good things and personal goals. Seek professional help for what appears to be deep rooted issues that could stem from childhood. Once you’ve done these things read a few books on self-esteem to complete the circle of help and keep it moving.
Dear Deanna!
I’m a Muslim in a relationship with a Christian who wants me to convert. He says there is no way it will work if we marry and have two different religions. I’ve never asked him to change but when I ask about marriage, he says that I’m pressuring him. We’re not ready for marriage, but it would feel good to know I’m viewed as his future wife instead of a college girlfriend. When I had a crisis and asked for prayer, his remarks were rude and alluded to my lack of believing Jesus is the Son of God. What he says is true but why can’t he chill and let things work?
Melancholy
On-Line Reader
Dear Melancholy:
The religious conversion is an excuse your mate uses to keep from entertaining a commitment. Like other college students, you have relationship drama but yours also has religion as another stress factor. These type relationships work, but yours is doubtful because he doesn’t respect you or your religious beliefs. He doesn’t have plans to make this a lifelong relationship, he won’t change his religious views and it’s to your advantage to keep fishing and date someone that can support and grow your faith.
Dear Deanna!
I’m a newlywed and now I realize that I don’t want to be married. I dated my boyfriend for 6 months and things were great. Now that we live together, I see things I don’t like, he’s not nice anymore and I feel stressed out. I wish things could be the same as when we were dating. Our intimacy is suffering and I don’t know what to do. How can I figure out what has happened and why this new marriage is so bad?
Married But Miserable
Memphis, TN
Dear Miserable:
The marriage is fine other than the fact you got caught up after a short time and married someone you didn’t know well enough. The drama, stress and responsibility begin the day after the wedding. You now have to look at the good, the bills and the ugly which comes with the territory. Have a talk with your husband and share your fears and feelings. As a couple he’s there to help sort through things and get better adjusted to this new marriage.
Dear Deanna!
I have an issue with my loud neighbor. She is so rude and disrespectful and has no regards for the rest of us in the apartment complex. We’re forced to listen to her loud music, she has company coming in and out and her place is always one big party. Several of us have joined together asked her to tone it down but she laughs and says she can do as she pleases as long as she pays her rent. What other options do we have to deal with this headache?
Annoyed
On-Line Reader
Dear Annoyed:
You can file a complaint and the first stop should be the on-site manager’s office. If this resource isn’t helpful then you should contact the management company. Yes, your neighbor pays rent but you pay as well and are entitled to a decent amount of peace and quiet. Once this is done, boundaries should be established. On another note, if she violates the noise ordinance after hours, you can call the police as a guarantee for a good night’s sleep.
Dear Deanna!
I broke up with my boyfriend for another guy and now I realize this was a mistake. I had a good man and I should’ve listened to my family and friends as they told me I should’ve stayed with him. I was seeking thrills and excitement. This caused me to be abused, cheated on and we broke up anyway. I want to get my boyfriend back and I’m not sure what to do. I’ve apologized but nothing seems to work.
Heartbroken and Torn
San Diego, CA
Dear Heartbroken:
The story never changes when one thinks the grass is greener on the other side. However, in your case, you had a crew telling you what to do but you chose not to listen. It serves you right and your ex-boyfriend shouldn’t have anything else to do with you. Your apology is nice, but look at it from his side as you expect him to return after being with another man. Get over it, learn from your mistakes and if he comes back, fine and if not, keep it moving.
Editor’s note: Ask Deanna! is written by Deanna M. Write Ask Deanna! at askdeanna1@yahoo.com or at 264 S. La Cienega, Suite 1283, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 . Visit her Web site at www.askdeanna.com. |