Explosive pairing may cause bellyaching
Dear Annie: I am a soon-to-be divorced man who has suffered a great deal of pain after the collapse of my lengthy marriage.
After enduring the dissolution of multiple post-separation relationships, I found what in many ways is the perfect woman. As we have gotten to know each other, however, we have found huge ideological gulfs between us.
My significant other does not vote. She does not believe in vaccination. Her disapproval of the gay lifestyle extends to having animosity toward gay individuals. Her positions rankle me.
Do you believe that a relationship between individuals who are opposites in many respects can survive and thrive? — Night and Day
Dear Night: There are the sorts of pairs that are complementary “opposites,” who together find balance and more meaning through each other, e.g., yin and yang, night and day, peanut butter and jelly. But your pairing sounds more like Pop Rocks and soda — explosive and causing much bellyaching.
My question for you is: Why the rush into dating? I suggest you put that on hold until your divorce is finalized. Don’t be in such a rush to partner up that you settle for someone and find yourself wanting to excuse away major issues. Dear Annie: I’m a 14-year-old boy from New Jersey. I just started high school and am involved in clubs and on the junior varsity football team. I’m not a straight-A student, but I make pretty good grades, mostly B’s and some A’s.
My parents got divorced when I was really little. Both of them have since remarried. I live with my mom and stepdad most of the time (spending some weekends with my dad).
I have an older brother, who is 17, and a little brother, who is 4. My older brother has had all sorts of problems since he was about 12 or 13. He has anger issues and shows our parents no respect.
My parents are always so busy dealing with my brother’s issues that I feel as if they barely even notice me. I sometimes feel as if I’m being punished for being the good kid. What can I do to make them take more notice of me? — Middle Child
Dear Middle: It’s not easy being golden. You’re a great blessing in your parents’ lives. Tell them how you feel. It might not exactly be fair that you have to remind them you need attention, too, but it’s fortunate for your family to have someone as mature and patient as you on the team.