A woman whom I once dated married and moved into her husband's house with her daughter, 15, five years ago. His children come and go. Her older children don't live there.

He makes considerably more money than her, but his handouts vary with his moods. Example: He'll give or cancel her health and car insurances.

I think they love each other to some level and the marriage could work if she and her kids felt this was their home. She earns small money with which she buys food and helps her kids, but she also helps care for the home and his kids.

I saw her accidentally, recently, and she soon Facebook "friend-ed" me, saying she was divorcing him. I said I wouldn't meet with her unless she's divorced, but we phone each other.

She's moved into a temporary apartment with her daughter, getting a legal separation. He doesn't want a divorce, but won't change the financial arrangements. Should this marriage be over?

Concerned

Focus on what affects you. She may consider you an escape route from this marriage. Finances will also arise between you two, so be sure you fully understand her needs.

Since you believe they still love each other, back off completely, make no promises for the future, and let her handle this without you.

If her husband sees she's serious - and she doesn't see you as back up - they're more likely to compromise.

I got pregnant in early dating. We married and bought a house very quickly.

But I've found he's very attached to one male friend. They "hang out" minimum three-to-four times weekly for at least five hours, or he sleeps over there.

I see him after his work, for the half hour before the friend arrives.

I've said I'd like him to have more balance, but he just gets angry. He says he has lots of hobbies and I shouldn't take that away. I've explained that marriage means spending time together, but it becomes a huge fight.

He's still affectionate, says he loves me, and sends nice messages throughout the day. Occasionally we go on dates, and it's wonderful.

But I don't understand why he married me and wanted this child if he's so attached to his friend. I love him very much but he's killing it. He works very hard to support us, but I'm alone in this house and about to have a baby.

So Lonely

These are still early days, along with some early warning signs. It's only been months, you're pregnant and needing reassurances, he's still behaving as in his single days, with his constant pal and all his hobbies.

Instead of trying to change all his habits so quickly, try to bring him into the picture of becoming a father. Read the "new baby" books together, show him the development of the child within you, and discuss about how you'll both handle the new demands.

You, too, will need some time in adult company - both with him and with your friends. You'll also need help with the constancy of a newborn's demands.

Remember, the pregnancy and marriage happened from both your actions, so forget wondering why you're married. You two need to become partners, and that takes time, which usually builds up from longer dating and an engagement period.

If things haven't adjusted by the time the baby's six months old, you should consider couples' counseling to help you both find ways to be parents and partners together.

I share accommodation with three women, all formerly strangers. In four months, none of us have become "friends" but we were friendly.

One night, when I was closing curtains facing the parking lot, I didn't see that one housemate was standing outside nearby, with her boyfriend.

When they entered, I realized I looked strange by not acknowledging them standing close by, but I assumed they'd guess that I hadn't seen them.

I overheard them call me "crazy," and gossip to the others. One said my shyness was "evidence." The housemate acts like she's scared of me, her boyfriend glares and smirks, and no one says hello as before.

How do I confront them?

Isolated

Apologize. Explain that you realize it seemed odd, but you hadn't seen them, and should've said so at the time. Then carry on as if nothing's wrong. Say hello when appropriate, and act normally. This will pass, if you let it.