Memories of woman cloud dad’s happiness

Dear Abby: I have been married to my wife for two years, after being together for 10 years. We have two kids with a third on the way. Our relationship is great. It’s healthy.

I just have this feeling of loneliness. My mind often wanders to a woman from the past. I would never leave my children because they are my world. I just cannot control or ignore these feelings. I’ll be honest: I wish I could just have one conversation with said woman. I don’t know what to do. — Ron in California

Dear Ron: You have a responsibility to your wife and your growing family. What you are experiencing could be symptoms of depression. Youmay be feeling overwhelmed with the responsibilities you now carry and subconsciously yearning for the carefree years you enjoyed before you were formally married. Before you feel more alienated than you already do, I urge you to talk this out with a licensed psychotherapist.

Dear Abby: I have an older relative who uses the word “whatever” when she is done discussing something. I don’t think she realizes how dismissive it comes across to others. It’s as if she doesn’t care about the other person’s opinion or comments. It creates a barrier with family, and I think people distance from her because of it. How can I explain that the word now has a negative connotation? — Staying Away to Not Get Hurt

Dear Staying Away:

Address it the next time she uses “whatever” in conversation with you. ASK if she is using the word because she isn’t interested in what you are trying to convey and what she means by it.