Okay, so caveats: not a parent. Never been pregnant. BUT, I have spent a large chunk of time anxious and depressed, and this sounds bang on the money. This is a huge, scary thing to be doing, and you haven’t exactly had an easy go of things. But here’s the good news: you will have your baby’s whole life to connect.…

The Drum was TERRIFYING. I was definitely afraid of my mom disappearing one day and being replaced after reading that story. 

Thank YOU so much! As for the long distance, I really wish we weren’t doing it, but we both got these assignments before we started dating, and then we fell for each other, so we’re sort of stuck, but luckily it’s only a two-hour time difference and we can meet in the middle (also, I may or may not have bought him an…

I am...still learning about cricket (American, but currently living in South Asia where it is practically a religion). What are your favorite places to read about cricket?

I’m so sorry for your loss. 

I think you’ve made absolutely the right decision about the extent that work takes charge of your life. I think you aren’t settling--you are choosing to put your best efforts into your whole life, and not just your career. Maybe it would help to consciously direct those aspects of your ego away from your career and…

Wow, that sounds like a lot to deal with! Hopefully it goes smoothly for you. As for what I’m looking forward to, I’d say: 1) my housekeeper starting (this is going to make my life SO MUCH easier), 2) my birthday! (thinking of going to Kolkata or Chennai for the weekend), and 3) the next time I get to talk to my…

That IS a big accomplishment! You are doing a really important thing (though hopefully it won’t be needed for a long, long time). It’s something I need to do as well, although I don’t want to do things twice (possible life changes on the horizon that would change the order of next-of-kin). How did you go about it?

I’m so sorry--that must have been deeply distressing. I hope that you and your friends are able to take good care of each other, and that there’s someone nearby to take extra special care of you. 

That’s so lovely! I hope they continue to bring you joy.

Ew...I can’t think he ever really got his hands clean. That’s just vile. 

My boyfriend (who is generally wonderful and whom I love deeply), is not someone who cares much about furniture. When we were still living in the same city, he usually came to my apartment--I figured it was because I lived closer to work and didn’t have a roommate. When I finally went to his apartment, I learned that…

I guess it’s a question, then, of how much aggravation, canceled plans, distress to yourself and your husband you’re willing to put up with, then. I still don’t think you should apologize--you weren’t wrong, it won’t make the relationship easier in the long run, and I don’t think eating crow on this will be good for…

Right? If I want a combination of reenactment and documentary, I’ll watch a Lucy Worsley special. There’s not really a universe where I want to watch Mancunian Rasputin finger-bang a bunch of women. 

I would imagine being nervous would be totally normal when you have a new kid coming into your life, and you don’t know who they are or what they like or what they need. That’s HELLA stressful! Plus, lots of parents get to ease into it (relatively) with newborns that just sleep, poop, and cry. You’ll do great; I…

It sounds like whatever set her off has very little to do with you and rather a lot to do with her own bullshit. I don’t think you need to apologize for the sake of keeping the peace; general warmth and goodwill means that you’ll be around for when she wants to act right. Quite frankly, she’ll get over it. If she…

Congratulations, Little Chardonnay! That’s amazing. You must be so proud of her. 

I’m so glad you’re being looked after so well by your doctors and loved ones. Surgery sounds scary, but it seems like you’re in good hands. Hopefully, this can be taken care of soon and you’ll be feeling better. 

Congratulations! I’m so glad you’ve got this new opportunity--you’ve earned it! 

I’m so sorry for you and your friend. I think as far as things to do: do you know if anyone in their family is setting up a meal train? I think you can organize them online now. You could help people who want to help them. Or, if it’s already being done, you could sign up to bring them a couple of meals, or come by on…