We’re both 39, married 10 months; I’m a successful physiotherapist, he’s in high-end marketing but was let go four months ago.    
      Our courtship, wedding and lifestyle all reflected our expensive tastes: eating out most nights, boutique travel, designer clothes.    
      Suddenly, I’m the only wage earner. He insists that most of his buy-out package be invested, in case of another “rainy season.” He’s sent out his resume, but won’t settle for a job that isn’t suited to his past profile.      
      I’m resenting paying all the bills and cutting back on things I still can afford for myself. What should I do?
      - Sole Provider 6666

I hear a roar from collective readers’ minds shouting, Grow Up!      
      Some steps in that direction: Recognize that it could’ve been YOU affected at work by the recession. You’d surely have expected your groom to pick up the financial slack. I doubt you would’ve leapt to accept a McJob to tide you over, unless it became a dire necessity.      
      Meanwhile, your husband’s being prudent to invest some money, but 1) he can use the interest to pay toward his share of basic living costs; and 2) he should be “working full-time” at job seeking.      
      No, this is not the time for you to keep shopping at Prada despite your own good salary.      
      Seize the opportunity to develop a true partnership with your guy. Encourage his efforts to find employment; brain storm ideas to get his name and qualifications to a broad network.      
      And use this period to experience the many fun, romantic and sexy ways to be together without needing to hear ca-ching in order to feel satisfied.

I’m 22, newly married; no matter what I say or do, my in-laws bad-mouth me. They've turned my sister in-law against me. She doesn’t speak to me and referred to me at Thanksgiving dinner as "an idiot."      
      I've had several sit-down talks with my in-laws to clear the air, but that only leads to more gossip and anger towards me. My husband talked to his sister, who said this is the way things are going to be, and nothing will change.      
      Their main complaint is that we don't visit them often enough, but every time we visit, they tell me how I’m not good enough for their son.    
      My mother-in-law told me she’s "making a list of the things I have done wrong" since we’ve been married. I need some ideas about how to deal with this.
      - Stumped

In this case, it’s your husband who needs to grow up and confront his parents. Talking to just Sour Sis – and accepting her nasty dictates – won’t do.      
      From your description, these in-laws sound toxic, which may eventually mean that the two of you must draw lines in the sand and stop seeing them at all, unless they stop denigrating you. BUT, that’s the last step.    
      First, try to discover what’s really bothering them. How often do you visit, and is that reasonable? Are they jealous of your relationship with your own family and feel their son neglects them?      
      Have you two considered other ways to get together, for example meeting at a casual restaurant, where the in-laws aren’t in control of the setting and the conversation.      
      These are possible solutions you and your husband need to work out together. Meanwhile, he must speak up on your behalf. If nothing improves the relationship, you’ll both need to decide the best way to preserve your own.

I was selling my oak dining table (four leaves, six chairs, original cost $3,500) for $1,400, replacing it with an inherited antique table. A long-time close friend offered $850, payable when possible. I gave her a year’s grace.      
      I bought a cottage that needed a table. My friend’s payment was overdue so I suggested she return my table. She refused. She soon gave me $400 cash, saying she’d pay the rest later.      
      Months later, nothing. I’ve explained that the cottage table cost over $2,500 and I’m strapped financially.  
      - Sad and Frustrated

Selling expensive items to friends who can’t afford them, almost always causes more loss than expected. To her, you’re not so “strapped financially” if you can afford a cottage and expensive new table.      
      You may still get the remaining $450. Or not. Decide whether you want to keep the friendship. If not, remind her of her debt; otherwise, swallow it.