ask MotherJune



read advice get advice make favorite read feedback advicenators



Let experience be your guide.....my experience! If you want serious advice from an adult go ahead....ASK away! With extraordinary interpersonal skills, I will respond to your questions respectfully, and give practical solutions and reasonable answers.
Gender: Female
Location: Texas
Occupation: teacher
Member Since: June 9, 2004
Answers: 86
Last Update: May 20, 2006
Visitors: 6864

Main Categories:
Work/School Relationships
Friendship
Love Life
View All

ok well i have this friend and shes awesome i love her soooooooo much and like one day i was gonna IM this guy that screwed her over and mess with him and i ended up calling him and i bitched him out for a while then like somehow i started to really like talking to him and i knew if she knew she would be soooo pissed and well i told her that i had talked to him and that i wanted to keep talking to him and she got really mad and said she hated me and wouldnt talk to me for a few days then i told her id never talk to him again but i have, i talk to him on the phone every once in a while and he wants me to meet him in person but i no i shouldnt but i still like to talk to him on the phone, only if she knew i still talk to him shed prolly never talk to me again and i dunno what to do, I REALLY LIKE HIM, i know its sick, and i know i shouldnt like him cuz he really hurt my best friend but i still do and i cant help it :( what should i do????? (link)
It comes down to a decision of what is more important to you: the friendship or the new guy. Remember, if the guy turns out to be a jerk to you, your friend will probably not have any sympathy for you and you will have lost a friend that you love soooooooo much for a quick romance. How would you feel if SHE started seeing someone who treated you badly and had watched you suffer through the relationship? Make a decision you are willing to live with in the end.


There is this girl that i like and I have known her for a long time but I don't know if she likes me and she always has a boyfriend that I helped her hook up with what should I do (link)
If you still see this girl, you can ask, "How's everything going with (the boyfriend)? You know if things don't work out, I wouldn't mind seeing you myself. You are a terrific girl." Then she will see that you have an interest, but that you are respectful that she is still seeing someone. There is a risk she may tell her boyfriend that you were checking on them and offered to step in if he dropped out!


I am having a big problem on my job. I am a licensed nurse working in Home Care in Florida. What is commonly called Agency work. There are several nurses working this particular Case. We all are experienced nurses, and adore our little patient, which is a handicapped child. We all have been on this particular job for several years,and everyone does a good job. One nurse who I will call N, causes a lot of unneccessary friction on this home case. The father of this child is alone, and is a divorced, retired older man. And he is the primary care giver for this child. N has been intimately involved with this gentleman, off and on for a couple of years. She works the night shift and sleeps. She manipulates this man, and the shedule changes according to her wishes.When he leaves town on business trips, she comes and goes in the home, and causes problems for whichever nurse is working at that time. The agency is aware that she sleeps and that she is imtimately involved with this pts father. But has done nothing to rectify this situation. I learned ethics and conflict of interest when I studied nursing, but obviously some people do not follow this guidelines. Besides this , the nurses brags about being able to work 2 jobs. If everyone working in nursing could sleep, then everyone could work two jobs. She is married and has children. Besides this nurse being liable, and the agency. Should medicare also be advised of this situration? Nurses are threatening to leave this home case, if nothing changes and soon. What about the licensure agency, here in Florida? Thanks in advance for reply (link)
The world is full of users and this woman is one of them. You said you reported it and nothing was done. Since the man has been romantically involved with her, perhaps they feel it is his choice to let her sleep. However, sleeping on the job when you are supposed to be responsible for a child is serious. A situation might arise that could result in the child being injured from neglect (choking, falling out of bed, etc.). If the Home Care agency won't respond, then PLEASE report it to the licensing agency. The thought of a lawsuit from neglect or malpractice seems to make health care facilities straighten up. My mother is in a nursing home facility and I make weekly appearances and spend time talking with my mother to check that they are fufilling the duties that she pays for each month, to ensure the best of care. They respond quickly when I tell them that the state licensing board would be interested in what I have to say.


Well I know most girls today shave "down there"...but is there anything wrong with not doing so? I mean i'll make sure nothing shows in a bathing suit...but what's so wrong with hair? Does it gross guys out? (link)
By "down there" do you mean the tops of your feet, because I didn't even know that hair could grow places like that! Really, shaving is overrated. Once again, the media is doing its level best to make women conform to an ideal that they find appealing...at the moment. The stripper, centerfold, super model thong look has never been an issue before men's mags and music videos made it popular. Now, if you have sideburns or back hair........that is amother story. Keep it tidy for your swimsuit and that is plenty o' maintenance.


She is 4 and she almost always wants to pretend to be a cartoon character, and wants me to be one too. Sometimes, I just am not in the mood to be a cartoon character and talk in a silly voice. I already told her I won't do it in public, and she understands, but she still bugs me to be characters at home. How do I get her to stop this, or at least not expect me to play along with it every time? It's getting old. Does anyone else have kids that do this? (link)
She loves playing with you and that is a compliment. However, I know that kids love repetition and it can really unnerve adults! You have shown her that you can and will play along with her in the past, so she is going to keep asking you to pretend. Tell her that you will do it another time (you have to fufill that other time though) and ask her to choose something else you can play together. Also, give her 2 choices that you are willing to do with her. Maybe you could share with her some ideas that you enjoyed when you were about her age. She would probably jump at the chance to do something that her mommy did when she was a girl. It would be fun for her and you, too.


my friend Breanna is pregnant. But she smokes and drinks every month. What do I do to stop her from killing the baby?
(link)
If this foolish girl, (she sounds immature or uneducated) does not listen to you, then go to a nearby clinic or doctor and get as many pamphlets on prenatal care, fetal alcohol syndrome, and the March of Dimes on birth defects. SHOW her the adverse effects and ask her how she will deal with a sick or injured baby and the guilt that is to follow.


well this guy i hook up with now we're finally dating.. but ..i met these two guys one that plays soccer ad is really sweet and in my grade dif school thouhg. and one that is gonna come to my school and is gonna be a senior. they both seem sweet andi'm meeting them soon. i dont think nething will happen witthem but what about if it does? and it ends up my my dating buddy was pretyt good friends with the senior.. (link)
If you haven't mutually agreed that you are going steady or exclusively dating either one of them, then play the field. Guys do it. Girls have the same option. It is wise to date several boys, to find the one that you enjoy being with the most. If they are friends, then they can both talk about how wonderful YOU are! Nothing like a little competition between suitors to make a girl seem more attractive!


how do u covince your parents 2 let u get a cell phone. and that u are responsible enough to have one. (link)
If you have established the trust of your parents so far, then you have a basis for convincing them. If you are untruthful, secretive, or break curfew, then you are going to have a harder time. I don't know your age, but if you have a job or make money doing small jobs like babysitting, lawnmowing, etc., then offer to pay for part of it (or all of it) and then actually follow through. However, most cell phones have a minimum contract for 2 years and your parents may be hesitant. Do some window shopping and find an inexpensive phone. Some of the best deals are prepaid minutes that come with a phone for around $30.00 at most major discount places like Wal-Mart or Target. Then you can tell your parents not too worry about expensive monthly bills or charges for "overage" minutes. When and if you do get the cell phone, don't use it to deceive parents about where you are or jumping curfew.....they won't be easy to approach the next time you want to be given responsibility.


Do you think it's possible to say you're "in love" in high school? What age is too young? And is it possible for a high school relationship to last? I really feel like I'm in love right now...and I can't picture myself with anyone else. (link)
Romeo and Juliet were about 14 or 15 and they were in love. I know couples who have been married 50 years and are still in love. Many high school couples go on to get married after graduation or continue to date through college and then marry. I met my husband at 18 and dated 4 years before we married. You could certainly be "in love" in high school. Are you in love when all is well, or could your love withstand a disagreement? The real questions are: What is the quality of the relationship? Is it one sided? Is it healthy? Do you both give to the relationship? Is it respectful? Do you have common goals for the future? Not that all relationships lead to marriage, but if you are "in love" it should last. If not, then it was love for one boy that faded and love can come again to you in the future for a permanent relationship.


i am, well, you could say a Drama Geek. lol. i have not missed even ONE audition for any school or community plays since i started my freshman year (i am finishing my junior year right now). there for a while i kept getting chorus or extra, which was fine to start with, but when i decided i wanted bigger parts, last summer, i was not put in any production for about year now!!! i try out and try out, but never even get a part! is there anythign i can od to improve my skill and/or have a better audition? (link)
I, too, have dabbled in the theater. I have tried many different approaches to be noticed. I was too young to play the older parts, too old to play the younger parts, etc. I took an acting class at the community college one summer and learned a great deal about myself by interacting in drama excercises and most of all watching OTHERS perform. There is much competition out there, so knowing your "stuff" helps. If you know what part you are auditioning for in advance, do some research on the character by using the library, internet, or even a bookstore. Cliff notes to a play can be a useful tool. Cold readings for an audition can jangle the nerves, too. So always start over if you make a mistake at an audition, (don't ask permission to do so).


I got a job at a pizza restaurant. I've worked for the same chain several years ago (a different location). I filled out the application online, made some nice customer comments about that particular location because it's my favorite place, and the owner called me last night! I was feeling really down when he called, so I look at this as a good sign, because it really made me feel better. This may sound totally lame or corny to you, but I'd much rather being doing something, even if it's just making pizzas, or taking orders for them, then sitting around at home being broke. I need to help out my family, but I also feel better about myself when I'm working, like I'm "contributing to society " by having a job. Ok, so I'm not curing cancer, but treating people nice can really make the difference in somebody's day, and I will be working with the public, which I know I can do. It's been a long time since I've worked a cash register, but it didn't look hard, I'm planning to stay there as long as I need to to save money and go back to school to finish my child development credits, but I didn't tell the boss that. I think I conviced this new boss that I can handle it, so why am I so nervous? Any suggestions? I start my training friday. (link)
I worked my way through college doing all sorts of jobs from mowing lawns to cutting fabric in a discount store. Your positive attitude about having a goal and treating people nicely are admirable. That is exactly what I did.....treated people fairly, honestly and with human dignity. You are nervous because you want to do well and do not want to disappoint your boss or yourself. Do your job as if it were the most important work in the world and your boss and customers will notice immediately. Be considerate of your coworkers, too. Remember, being nice and doing a good job does not mean you have to put up with rude or pushy behavior from anyone...boss, coworkers, or customers. So if a problem arises, refer it to the manager, unless it is with the manager! Then be direct, firm and honest.


Let's say you are in a store or some other public place and you see a kid running around, maybe doing something dangerous, like climbing on something unstable. Is it ok to say something to the kid if you happen to be nearby? I would tell the kid "That is dangerous. Don't do that." And then, ask the child, "Where is your mommy or daddy?" Then find them, and tell them what their child was doing. Some parents get really pissed off and might tell me to mind my own business, but I can't in all good conciousness stand by and do nothing when there is a child at risk. My husband was in a situation like this when we were in a thrift store and he saw a bunch of kids running around unsupervised, taking all the toys out of some bins, and climbing on things. He said one child almost fell. I said he should have said something to her. He said that there was also a baby in a stroller sleeping that the mom was not watching. The baby was in a corner while the mom shopped in the middle of the store. That is so stupid. It makes me so angry to see this kind of thing. If my child was running around and doing something dangerous, I would not be in the least offended if another adult helped to make me aware of the situation as long as they were polite. But then again, I keep a good eye on my daughter because she is precious to me. I remember panicing when I couldn't find her for a few minutes at a park. A parent found her playing with another child. Does anyone have any insight on this, or have been involved in a situation like this? What would you do? (link)
You are doing the right thing by telling a child not to do something that is dangerous or asking the whereabouts of their parents. Take it a step further and tell the manager about the circumstances. They do not want to be sued and will usually take care of the problem....immediately!. As for people leaving an unsupervised baby in a stroller, these people are tempting the many evil minded people in our world today. Casually stroll up to them and ask, "Do you know where the parent is that belongs to the baby waaaay over there? I've seen some people lurking about the stroller and I'm sure they would want to know." That way, you aren't addressing them as the parent directly and they can see that the situation is serious.


i babysit for this young couple, and they have 2 kids, the guy is like 21 and he is sooooooooo cute, and ive become friends with him, and the other night we were talking and he leaned in to kiss me, so we kissed and then he like got up and said it was time he took me home, he isnt happily married, he only married her cuz she was pregnant and i have a crush on him, im 17 by the way, what should i do???????......Alisha (link)
Get the heck away from this guy! You want to have a relationship with someone who cheats on his wife. She needs to get a dogsitter for him, a babysitter for the kids. Seriously, this is an unhealthy situation. Regardless of how "unhappy" he is, he is 21, is MARRIED and has 2 kids. You are 17 and have a million positive opportunities waiting in your life. Stay away from this "unhappy" guy, or you'll be sharing the same fate as his current wife.


My best guy friend of 3 years asked me something really weird last week and I just can't stop forgetting it. We were hanging out w/ his friend, and we somehow started talking about the fact that a guy in my math class was looking down my shirt. Then my guy friend told me to bend over, jokingly. I was like "only if you pay me" sarcastically. Then he was like "I'll give you $6 if you give me a lapdance!!!!" And then his friend offered to give me $10 for one. I refused, of course, cuz that's just gross. I still can't get over that, though. I feel really disrespected. What should I do about it? (link)
Unfortunately, TV and movies reflect a certain way that cool guys should be. Especially, with sexist shows like "The Manshow". Young guys are constantly trying to prove themselves to their peers, especially in the area of sex. He may be a close male friend of 3 years, but when guys get together they feel like they have to band together and keep a cool front. Tell your friend, when you are alone, how much this insulted you and ask why he not only went along, but encouraged his friend by adding to the insult. Maybe you need to avoid his pal and only see him without the jerk of a buddy around. See what he has to say and if he ever does this again, he isn't really a friend.


ive been crushing on this guy for a while and so i told my best friend. Her bf and the guy i like are good friends so i had him to talk to the guy. He said that he liked me but wasnt looking for a relationship right now. Its summer break so when school starts back up again should i go for it?? of move on. (link)
Move on..... for now. If this guy has been told that you like him, the ball is in his court. Don't wait around for him if someone new comes along. Summer, is usually a time to hang out with friends and do fun things that you can't enjoy while school is in session. This guy might want to stay carefree while he has no pressures of school on him.


Does anyone know any good recipes I can do with a Devil's food cake mix? (link)
For a unique taste, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. You can also add chopped pecans to choclate frosting and top it. It tastes like a home made cake.


There is this person that I really like, and I am preety sure they like me too. But we both are to afraid to say anything to go out because we don't want to ruin our friendship. What should I do. (link)
You could approach it in a very casual way. Ask them if they are going out with anyone on a Friday or Saturday night(for a date). If they say "no", you could say, "I'm not going out with anyone either. Want to take me out?" If they agree, go and have fun! If they don't take you seriously, then you can blow it off as a jest or maybe it will get them thinking about you in a different way......?


One of my guy friends is really starting to annoy me. He just won't leave me alone! I will just be walking in the hall to my next class and he will follow me, even if he's not in the class. He's always poking me and putting his arm around me, and I don't want people to think we're a couple, which we're not. What should I do? (link)
For some reason he thinks he may have a chance with you to become that couple you don't want others to think that you are! Have you encouraged him before in a harmless flirty way when this first began? He could be confused about your feelings toward him. If it is awkward or hard to tell him how you feel directly (which is the BEST method), then start talking about other boys you are romantically interested in and he'll get the message.


Does a guys height affect their penis size ? If so , what do you think a 175+ cm tall guys penis size is ? Btw , i'm just curious , and i'm a girl . (link)
More importantly, does his size affect how you feel about him as a person. Don't look to the package, but the treasures inside.


Me and my girlfriend have been going out for almost 8 months now and I love her so much and I know she loves me she says it all the time and stuff but I dont know if she is always happy with my I cant really tell her how I want her to feel or anything or talk to her about this there has to be something I can do to show her I want her to be happy basically happier then she has ever been before like can you tell me how I can do this because that would be a big help anyone help me one this subject I just want my girlfriend to be super happy around me and not like faking the whole happiness thing so please help me with what to do thanks a bunch.
(link)
No one likes hearing this, but you can't make someone love you and you can't let another person be a source for your own happiness. If she is your girlfriend and seems to return your feelings, (although it sounds like it is not the level you would like it to be) then find new things to do together. Sometimes, a relationship can get in a rut or become too predictable if you don't freshen it up. Do something that is out of character and surprise her. It doesn't have to cost money. Be creative! Go to a local park and have a picnic and bring a radio. Go on a walk through the park or local outdoor area. Go through a photo album of yours or hers and learn something new about one another. This could uncover new feelings.




read advice get advice make favorite read feedback advicenators

<<< Previous Advice Column
Next Advice Column >>>
humorist-workshop
eXTReMe Tracker