I’m mid-30’s, separated from my husband for one year; we have a son, 10. While married, I never felt loved, cared, or respected and suffered depression.     
      I became close to a work-mate (bachelor, my age) three months ago. He eventually said he loved me. I wasn’t ready for a relationship. He understood. I also said I wasn’t interested in dating casually.     
      We were seeing each other on weekends and talking/texting regularly. I fell in love. We also got intimate – not intercourse but oral sex.     
      Suddenly, he started taking steps backwards ... saying he’s “not ready for long term commitment.” He said he was now confused about whether he loves me, and doesn't want to hurt me later. I was shocked but we decided to be just friends like before. I agreed because I love him and didn't want to hurt him.    
      I’ve asked him several times about what happened and he still has same answer. It’s been one month and we still spend once a day on the weekend. But it always ended in bed, though I still haven’t had intercourse with him. He initiates and says he can’t resist his temptation once he sees me.     
      Is this guy not in love with me or in denial? Or am I naive here? His every action is very caring and genuine. Am I misreading? What went wrong that changed his mind?
      - Hurting

He’s not in love. If he were, he’d explain any concerns about the relationship, to keep you. Yes, you’re naïve that is natural since you were vulnerable so soon after a disappointing, loveless marriage.    
      You drew fuzzy boundaries – no relationship soon became one; oral sex doesn’t count as un-sex without intercourse, despite President Bill Clinton’s famous opinion. He happily crossed those boundaries and enjoyed the part of the relationship he was willing to accept.     
      But, ultimately, he had to face where it would likely go: marriage, taking on the responsibilities of a step-father. He was never ready for that. But don’t blame yourself for not having had the experience to see this coming.    
      Stop the weekly contact and the intimacy that’s keeping you hooked; just be cordial at work. Consider this part of learning to better assess in future who’s the right and ready candidate for a lasting relationship.

My family has disowned me because of something that happened with my teenage daughter and her step-father. I’m at my wits’ end and just waiting to speak to a counsellor to try and move on.
      - Distraught in Dublin, Ireland

You’ve provided little information other than your own devastation. IF your teenage daughter was assaulted, abused or otherwise harmed by your husband, she’s the person most affected, and must be your priority.    
      What will most help her recover from trauma, is your standing by her. IF there’s reason to doubt her story, you’ll need to explore her emotional need for telling it.      
      Being “disowned” isn’t your biggest problem now, it’s getting your daughter any help she needs, then boosting your own confidence in handling the situation, even before you see a counsellor for yourself.

Our smart, successful son is openly critical of us - where we live, how we manage our finances, etc. He’s hardest on his mother because, years ago, she once considered a separation when our marriage was rocky.
      - How To Handle?

Tell Sonny to grow up. You do NOT have to tolerate unsolicited criticism from him. Stand up for your wife and present a united front concerning your choices.

My close, only friend moved overseas two years ago; meanwhile, I’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness, but ultimately have triumphed. My friend’s doing drugs, going to wild parties and behaving promiscuously.    
      Because of my mental illness, I’d pushed everyone away. She remained loyal, then. But since I don’t share her lifestyle, she’s become cruel and unpredictable.
      Sometimes, she’ll call, sobbing about her life. I drop everything, although it’s never reciprocated. Should I continue trying to make this relationship work?
      - Confused

Focus on your own mental and emotional health; this one-sided friendship could bring you down. Seek new acquaintances –slowly and carefully – who are stable and share interests with you.
Do not dump your old friend harshly, but cool the contact over time, and be less indulgent to her sob sessions. You can’t help her from this distance, until she changes her unhealthy lifestyle, and then needs some caring support from you.