I recently began a new job.
One night, a pretty temp struck up a conversation with me, saying she'd likely be working here several times and wanted to exchange phone numbers. The question seemed to me to have a professional tone, so I felt there was no harm in exchanging number, just to see if we'd be working together on the same days.
Shortly after, however, I realized she may've been looking for something more than a professional relationship.
I'm currently in a committed six-month relationship with the love of my life, which is why I called the girl the next day to let her know that I'm sorry if she received the wrong message and that I was in a committed relationship.
Do I tell my girlfriend about this, or will that will only serve to worry her?

- Office Slip-up

The old adage, "What they don't know won't hurt them," is only true until the moment you're found out. I believe in that other adage, "honesty is the best policy."
Had this been a passing encounter in your past, before your serious relationship began, it wouldn't necessarily be worth mentioning. But, because you've had contact with this woman while you're committed elsewhere, and because she has your phone number, it's possible she'll call, and your girlfriend will hear of it the wrong way.
Tell her the story - you can leave out the description, "pretty" - and say how foolish you feel for thinking this was a professional exchange. Explain that you've already retracted and told this person that you had no intention to mislead her.
Stress to your girlfriend that your relationship with her is too important to risk in any way. After, don't be turned so easily by a passing pretty face. You can't get away with this twice.

I'm 44, fit, a single parent of a wonderful son in his early 20s who now has an excellent job which he loves. I've been working in the legal profession for 18 years, and teach part-time.
However, my lifelong dream has been to be in the medical profession, which I never had a chance to do due to a single-parent income and time constraints.
I also have a life-long dream and goal to purchase a house by a lake in the country.
A couple of years ago, my son suggested I go back to school full-time in the medical profession - and has unselfishly offered to support me for a full year (a condensed course). I've been accepted into the Paramedic program this fall. I feel excited and so very scared at the same time.
During my attendance full-time at school, I would most likely be able to continue teaching part time, which I'd hate to give up. However, I'd have to give up my full-time job, with its five weeks' vacation and benefits. This is not an easy decision to make.
I'm presently seeing a "life coach" to help me find the right decision for me.Your thoughts?

- One Lucky Mother

You've got the smarts, the financial kick-start, the family support, and above all, you've got the dream. Go for it.
Seeing a life coach is a wise boost to thinking through beyond the beginning of your new career path, to just know how you'll handle the everyday aspects of going back to school and fitting the new routine into your life.
If you don't pursue this now, you'll have five weeks' vacation to regret it.

I've been living with my boyfriend for a year, and I love him, but there's one thing that stresses me out about our relationship - HOUSEWORK!
I wish that it were both of us cleaning, doing dishes and cooking. But it's not.
We both work full time. We're in our 20's. And I know we both know how to do those chores.
How do I make it brutally clear that I'm not his mother and DO NOT want to be the only one cleaning without nagging?
What's going to happen when I have our baby, which is due soon??

- Fed Up

You'll be changing diapers, along with doing everything else… unless you stop mothering him.
A household partner insists on shared chores; or budgets for cleaning help for which he splits the cost; or cooks for one.
Speak up now, before the baby's care becomes the battleground issue that ultimately divides you.