The first cat I adopted as an adult living on my own was a 'problem cat' from a no-kill shelter. Her name was Pumpkin, and she was given up to the shelter because she was a biter, very aggressive and bite-y to all she encountered. I fell in love with her instantly, and over the course of the few years she had on this…

Oh, girl, I hear ya. It happens to the best and brightest of us, and has happened to me too. It really does sting, but just thank your lucky stars you found out now and not months or years down the road. My usual remedy is ice-cream and bad movies!

Ok, well "the otherwise fantastic, near perfect for me man" isn't so fantastic and perfect, not at all. Not in the least. You were dating an illusion, a front of a man who selectively presented and represented himself to you in a frankly manipulative way. Sure, you may think he was a close match for you, but close…

My bestest friend in the whole world didn't get kissed or lose her virginity until she was 29. She's 36 now, and she's doing just fine and madly in love with a fabulous guy. So I think you are just fine where you're at in life.

Well, as someone who just filed for chapter 7 personal bankruptcy, I think it's safe to assume that my credit score will be hovering somewhere around 0 for the next ten years...

Thanks for you insights. I don't think I'll call her, but if I run into her in the hallway again when no one is around it might be good to say: hey, what the heck happened?And actually, Twilight sounds like a good flick to watch—there is definitely something comforting about cheesy movies when your in a bad mood, and…

Thanks for your insights, Oleander. It's very helpful. It gives me a different perspective on things. And yeah, luckily we weren't together very long, which does make things easier.

Thanks for the kind words, internet friend. And It's nice to know I am not alone in my debting misery!

Hi. I'm a PhD student, looking at 175,000 in student loans (which, by the time they are paid off in 25 years with 6.8% interest, will total over 250,000), and work part-time in a job that has nothing to do with my major, and I still have to find another job to get enough cash together for fall tuition. It's super…

I'd say flirt away but don't go any farther than that. Red-flags re immediate and clear, but keep the good vibes from the flirtations and use that confidence boost in your private life.

I have an alcoholic mom as well. What worked for me was going to Al-Anon meetings. I just sit and listen to the folks, and it really helps. It's free, and there are meetings all over the country. http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/home

Body-Glide. My friend is a marathon runner and has magnificent muscular thighs that just so happen to rub together, and she swears by it. Easy to carry in your purse and re-apply as needed. http://www.amazon.com/BodyGlide-BGCB…

Aww, thanks! That's really sweet, and thanks for the sage advise and affirmation.

Thanks, sweety. That is a comforting thing to think. I just wish that certain someone would hurry along and show up!!

Thanks for the response, and I am sorry for you too. Yeah, part of me is like 'what did I do wrong?' But when i think about it, I didn't do anything weird or crazy or red-flag-ish, I tried to be super chill and easy to get along with and not needy or clingy; and no one owes me an explanation, but it would be nice to…

Here's the rub—she was born with male parts, and just started taking female hormones to transition to a female. And honestly, I think it is the meds. I Spoke to another friend of mine who is trans, and she said likewise that when she first started the estrogen and anti-testosterone pills that she pretty much changed…

Ugh. After 7 years of singledom, I began dating someone. Started out great, dancing and nites together cuddling and talking, quite lovely, lots in common and easy to get along with, been seeing each other for a couple of weeks, then... nothing. She turned cold as ice. We live in the same building, and I ran into her…

AA saved my mom's, and hence my family's, life. Period. It works for lots and lots of women, and does a world of good in saving families and marriages. It gave me back a loving and caring mother, when she had been uttely lost inside a bottle. AA's steps and traditions, their literature, is best understood with the…

I don't get it. They pin and tuck the clothes on the models in almost every single photo-shoot I've seen in order to give the clothes the most flattering appearance on the model. And yes, they do the same thing for the mannequins at the store too. So what? It's to make the clothes look their best. It's marketing. Why…

James, hire a pro. As in professional escort. Many cater to the needs to express. And there is no shame in that. Oh, and you might just feel better afterwards.