I've had a few dates with this guy over six weeks. We text message a lot. I know he's interested in me but something's holding him back.

I know dating takes patience BUT it's annoying when he's so busy going out with his guys, and with school. I don't think I should be taken on this ride while he figures out what he wants.

I also don't want to bring this up with him, as I don't want to sound crazy. Some people tell me to be patient and some say otherwise. What should I do?

Annoyed

If you don't want to terrify this guy with your obvious lack of patience and discretion, stop your hurry. A few dates in six weeks are NOT a relationship, nor should it be.

It's also way too early to be broadcasting your "annoyance" and canvassing friends for their opinion.

What's "holding him back" is normal living, and you need to respect that. Get to know him for a far longer time - yes, several more months. That's what builds a relationship.

My (previously) two best friends of seven years were women I confided in, trusted, loved like family. I was asked to be a bridesmaid in one girl's wedding. The other friend was also in this wedding party.

I was accidentally sent an email between these two "best friends" one week before the wedding. They were bashing my personality, but also my new relationship. Saying things like I'm "an idiot for thinking its going to turn into anything... he's only using (me) for sex..."

Also, that they're sick and tired of my stupid pathetic relationships and me. This was only a couple of months into my dating this guy (who I'm still with, both of us in love), and neither girl knew him yet.

I was more than hurt. Both apologized and said they were frustrated with me, and should've told me to my face (what, that I'm an idiot?).

I took part in the wedding that following weekend. Pasted on a happy face, and left right after speeches. I couldn't possibly ruin her wedding day all because she was a horrible friend.

Since then (eight months ago) I talked to each of them a handful of times and saw each once. Neither has made any real attempt to patch up what was lost.

This fall-out also cost me other friends within that group. I've chosen not to talk about the emails with any of our other friends. I figure everyone needs to make up his or her own mind. Am I right?

I'd like to delete the two out of my life (off email/Facebook/BBM, etc). I cannot stand to read their updates or posts, as all of it seems fake.

Should I be making more of an effort to repair these relationships? Am I overreacting? Or am I better off without them?

Too Nice?

You're lucky to have seen their true nature through this "accident." The two women are jealous, gossipy, and mean-spirited.

Trying to be close with them again won't work, because you can't trust them with any confidences, and can't share personal happiness knowing it's what triggers their negative badmouthing. Next time, those emails could accidentally get to even more people.

Stay on the high road by keeping whatever you can about this incident to yourself. Don't risk affecting your mood with wasted energy spent on those two... you ARE better off without them. Take time building new friendships with women who are self- confident, and positive.

I'm seeking resources for my parents who are fostering young siblings who've had a hard life (split up and shuffled between relatives before landing with my family).

The only way those kids can get the attention they need would be to add ten hours to the day or four more adults to the home (although my parents have done admirably getting them caught up in school).

They've never fostered before and also need some information on inter-racial issues.

Heavy Needs

Get resource material - guidance and reading material - through the social services agency involved with foster care. Your parents need to discuss the kids with a counselor, who's experienced with this process, focusing on their individual needs, as well as what they require together, to stay connected with their own culture, background, etc. Help them get support from your other family members too, plus the kids' school and from the community.