I love teenagers—I taught high school and am not bothered by the attendant drama and difficulty of the teen years. Now that I have a child, and knowing that I will be old and tired when she’s a teenager, I am filled with dread. Sounds like there’s nothing I can do to stop it, though.

I appreciate that. I was a teacher and a nanny, so am of course comfortable with kids. But, I came to motherhood late and worry a lot. Thank you for your sensible words!

Only tangentially related, but I am regretting my daughter’s name. I WISH more people had weighed in on it. Her given name is Italian—like our last name—and we call her the English version of it. I was fine with her having to correct people’s pronunciation of her given name and ask people to call her by her English…

Mariah Carey seems just insufferable.

Are you my sister?

Yes! And, The Saint.

That’s kind of you—here’s hoping!

This is difficult for me, because I am a fastidious owner of things. I have had my prescription sunglasses about ten years now. I have never lost a piece of jewelry as an adult. I keep track of my shit, and well. My daughter is just two, but I was a teacher, and a nanny, and I understand children well. I DREAD the…

I don’t disagree. But I also am having my meds adjusted so I’m really emotionally fragile, and my kid is only a toddler and I don’t feel we could have a good enough conversation to help her work through it.

We literally turned it off when Pete started howling after he ran away from the hospital. We were expecting light-hearted and magical and got gut-punched with tragedy and fear. Hard pass.

It’s funny that you use the term “sober” because I called one guy my “crack man.” I just COULD NOT get him out of my system and no matter what he or the relationship damaged I just wanted more.

I’ve dipped into the archives plenty of times for dial-a-dick or needing an escort to a fancy party or something, but people who date off and on for years in a never ending will-they-or-wont-they make. me. COMPLETELY. INSANE.

We usually save Love Actually for an evening of present-wrapping. I may suggest this alternative. Thanks!

His death has been particularly hard on me, as well. I’m not sure why. I described it like a particularly beloved ex-boyfriend had died. Someone I am maybe glad I didn’t marry but am still fond of and friendly with. It’s in that same family of feelings. The world is so much poorer for his absence. I’m crying again…

Mmmmmm. I feel pants feelings for this man.

I would *do things* to Colin Firth. Liam Neeson is and the late Alan Rickman was a definite Would Do. Hugh Grant is a Would Do for the stories and for nostalgia purposes. But Colin Firth is in a class of his own, and I think he’s divine.

Any time, any place, any *thing*.

Colin Firth, forever and ever, Amen.

Yes. I hate Allison Williams, and Marnie is a garbage human whose face I want to punch into non-existence.