I work with more female than male co-workers; they discuss how their husbands are lazy and don’t do any household chores. Whenever there’s news of a rape or murder, they say that men are killers.    
      I try to be positive - whenever I get the chance, I speak against these opinions. Why do today’s women think they’re superior to men rather than that both sexes are equal?
      - A Good Man

Women traditionally bond in groups – whether gathering water at the village well, or sharing office chatter.     
      Their men are sometimes just easy excuses for garnering support; none will admit to having a perfect help-mate, since there’s a strong chance that many of the other women present carry a double-load of work outside and inside the home.    
      No, they don’t really think all men are killers. But they do want their sisters to know they’re alert to the weaknesses and potential violence that exist in some men.    
      They nurture each other’s self-respect to not let it happen to them. (And, of course, they know that some women are also violent, but the bonding is about women’s troubles).    
      Depending on the education and income level of your female co-workers, and the nature of their jobs, I’ll bet they do NOT feel superior to men. Rather they try to empower each other to be strong and courageous, when and if it’s necessary.
      Keep on being a Good Man. You lead by example, and, by voicing a differing opinion, you give the women hope.

I hate holidays and get upset when I see happy couples. I'm 45, a single mom of three boys; I have no one to talk to - no family, no relatives and no friends.     
      I'm stressed out from being lonely. I also have diabetes and high blood pressure. I had two jobs but now, due to a cyst removal surgery that unexpectedly also removed damaged cartilage, I just work on call.     
      This incident causes me more stress and hopelessness. I feel my life has ended completely.     
      My kids are busy with their schools, games, etc., without any second left to talk to me, except to ask for food or money. I want to socialize and be connected to someone or something.       
      I tried to go online but found that most of the men aren’t serious; they want to just have sex online. I'm great company to be with and have a great sense of humour. I'm highly educated, very attractive, sincere, smart, romantic, passionate, very honest, and love to help people.     
      I haven't had a relationship in 16 years. How can I find an honest, good person? What can I do about the surgeon who removed my cartilage without first letting me know?
      - Hopeless and Helpless

You’re depressed and need professional help through therapy and/or medication, so you can then recognize that only YOU can turn your life around.    
      Call your doctor and get on a pro-active path.    
      You’ve allowed a medical event to be the focus of all that’s wrong in your life when it’s a simple matter to get a second opinion on whether the cartilage should’ve been removed.     
      There are countless places to meet people in person – community centres, swim and fitness classes, walking groups, book and film clubs, volunteering.    
      Walking around with a poor-me face won’t attract friends or dates, or even encourage your sons’ company. Get help, and start moving forward.

FEEDBACK - Whenever a question contains even a suggestion of possible child abuse, I urge several actions, including contacting police and/or child welfare officials.    
      Some of these questions have been about second and even third-hand reports, with no facts at hand, rather than actual knowledge of an abuse incident.     
      Many of you readers are still naturally concerned, wanting the public to know that child abuse must be reported; it’s the law in most jurisdictions. Here’s one reader’s comments:    
      Reader – “If an adult person has reason to believe that a child has been abused or neglected, they have a legal obligation to contact authorities who’ll then conduct a proper investigation.    
      “If a child is in need of protection, they will act to protect a child. The police will investigate and lay charges if they’re warranted.     
      “It is the police and child welfare authorities who should be doing the investigating and they should be notified immediately.”