I love the idea but what exactly is "stable" in this day and age? No, seriously I'd like to know 

IMO, the REAL moral of the story is: Join an International Scout online forum and ask someone else how they replaced their window struts. Don’t reinvent the wheel; the Internet is your friend ;)

Yup. And be very concerned when “how ‘bout tomorrow night” becomes something your partner never makes good on, and worse yet—sees nothing wrong with it, causing a wee bit of resentment and distrust between you.

Just get married and have a couple of kids. That’ll solve the whole problem ;)

Not sure about that; the 2005 Outback XT (i.e., turbo motor with 250 HP / 250 ft/lbs torque) essentially represented the same idea to a very similar segment of buyers, and yet it was a fairly big hit. Now if anyone was suggesting replacing the current Crosstrek with a more high strung model, I would agree that’s a…

Growing up, my folks were pretty good about making us trying new things at least once. They didn’t go for the whole “I’ve never tried it but I already know I don’t like it” shenanigans, and while I certainly didn’t like everything they made me try at the time, I did like some of it...and now in my later 40's, I like…

Brilliantly written and my thoughts...almost to a “T” (Mr. Spock would also approve, I’m sure). One thing though; I noticed you didn’t touch on your sentiments toward “dessert” and how/when/whether it should be used. For me personally, I was raised with it being a nightly reward for eating a well-balanced meal, and…

As a father of two, ages 8 and 9, now in my late 40's (yeah, I started late), I would love to see some content/experience from parents whose kids are a couple steps ahead of mine...just to hear how they’ve dealt with (successfully or unsuccessfully) with “those years”. Obviously I have some experience myself and what…

Great article, Beth. Former Butler-ite here (Butler) who moved from the Boston area to Butler/Saxonburg in the mid-80's at what seemed to be close to the beginning of da’ ‘Burgh’s transition to the new, non-steel businesses and industries you mention in your article. PPG Plaza, Mt. Washington, Station Square, the…

I’m sorry to read this has been your experience, and totally agree it’s unfair. I know it may sound ridiculous, but I **try** to maintain the general (and perhaps naïve) opinion that, in more cases than not, man/womankind overall is fairly decent, balanced, and capable of seeing through the superficial aspects of…

Ha! How funny...I just posted this same situation as a question above (below?) That is extremely helpful, especially since my first instinct was to do just that, but you’re absolutely right now that I think about it; who wants to go into a relationship knowing they’ll never be that person’s main priority? Probably no…

Ya’ know, I actually have no idea how I photograph nowadays. Been in a relationship for almost 15 years (married for 12 of them, now divorcing) and noticed that as things started turning sour 5-6 years ago, my mug hasn’t ended up in a single family vacation pic, of any groups shots with our friends, etc. I mean, what…

Wow, never even considered this. Good to know it’s something I should remain aware of once I’m back in my “happy place” again and am ready to date. What’s funny is, I almost responded back with “Well, with anyone I date, I will make sure they understand my kids are and always will be Priority #1 in my life”...but then…

That’s really interesting...and insightful. Wondering if that dynamic changes at all if the woman has her own kids, as well (?). Seems to me the “shoe being on the other foot” would help add some balance to the situation. I’m in my late 40's and never really thought I’d come across someone else dating-wise who doesn’t…

Good idea. Most likely, I’ll probably just toss myself in social situations repeatedly until it feels natural again. Part of my issue actually stems from a predominately negative and unhappy relationship I’ve allowed myself to remain in for many years. Probably sounds kind of stupid, but it’s definitely taken a toll…

Curious to know what “stigma” you speak of. I’m in the process of becoming a single dad myself and while I consider myself great at taking care of my kids, I am far from well-versed in this field.

Can relate to the making “small talk” as being a skill; one that if you do not use somewhat regularly, you will lose it (but can always get back again...which is what I’m trying to do myself).

Nah, you shouldn’t feel that way. It’s all relative and to say that someone in your situation (i.e., single, no kids) “doesn’t really know what stress is” is totally unfair. And you’re right; it’s not a competition ;)

Bingo. In NJ, “technically” (and according to all published motor vehicle statues I’ve found including Division of Motor Vehicles), window tint in any form is illegal on the driver’s and passengers front windows. I’ve also asked this question every time I meet someone socially who’s a State Trooper (yes, we have a lot…

Yep - Swagger is my fave. And admittedly, a ridiculous name. I walk just the same as I did before ;)