I’ve been dating my boyfriend for one year; we’re in our late 20s to early 30s and both have professional jobs. He makes me laugh, we have the same values, and I’m physically attracted to him.
However, I feel more like the boy in the relationship. He’s aroused by being submissive towards me and tends to do the activities my mom did around our home.
I work some evenings and every other Saturday. While I’m away, he’ll clean my condo, do my laundry, iron my clothes, buy groceries, cook dinner, etc. He’s happy doing whatever I want and never complains.
I wish that he was more assertive and that we had a more balanced relationship. I feel like I’m taking advantage of him and it makes me feel guilty.  I’ve tried to let him know, that he doesn’t have to do things for me and always be so agreeable. But he just smiles, and says he doesn't mind. I like everything about him; the only thing that I’d like to change is his submissive side.
Any recommendations?

- The “Boy”

Do NOT take advantage, and then you won’t feel guilty; instead, DO appreciate whatever he chooses to do. Many men are more domestically competent and interested than their partners, and enjoy cooking, buying groceries etc.
Should you live together, it’ll be great to have such a helpful partner, but be prepared to pitch in on other housekeeping chores such as paying bills, fixing things, gardening, etc.
While just dating, so long as you’re not always hinting about what’s needed or leaving things for him to do, his efforts are how he’s courting you, as he tries to lighten your burden while you’re at work.
Unless you’re turned off by this and are having problems sexually, I believe that millions of women will join me in saying, lucky you.

I'm 26, a female in graduate school, and I’ve had difficulty since junior high in making (and, especially, keeping) female friends.
Recently, I had a falling out with one of my groups of women friends because they rarely wanted to go out or spend time with me. I learned from an old guy friend that they saw me as a "slut."
Yet, I’ve been in a monogamous relationship with my boyfriend for three years. We did recently break up for four months, during which time I casually dated a couple of men.
Also, I have slept with many men - more than average, I’m sure - but I don't think that qualifies me as a slut. I’m responsible about birth control, and these men are not "one night stands."
Why is there such a double standard for women who enjoy sex? And why has my own enjoyment of sex cost me close friendships with other women?

- Missing Companionship

The way other women know of your numerous lovers, is if you tell them; or boast.
Or if you challenge them with provocative questions about women’s sexual appetites.
What may seem like intellectual debate to you, can feel discomfiting to those who live more conservatively.
Double standard? I’ll bet these women also call men who’ve slept with many partners “sluts” or “dogs.”
If you thumb your nose at friends’ norms, you risk being gossiped about and labelled. This can change, as you select friends who share your perspectives.
You either need to be more private, or find companions who’re non-judgmental on the topic of sexual freedom.

My boyfriend of eight months had been suddenly left by his wife of two years. He said she’d been depressed and homesick for months. He still sometimes refers to her as "my wife" though they’ve been apart for three years.
This really bothers me, though he says he loves me, and I believe him.
I’m a survivor of both childhood and adult rape, and have been in counselling for years.
He doesn’t know about the rapes.
I think he needs to get a divorce. If he refuses, should I end our relationship?

- Fearful in Love

You need to trust this man enough to share your story, and he needs to end his marriage if he’s to move forward with you. Otherwise, there’ll be underlying fears, insecurity and even emotional distance shadowing your relationship… on both sides.
Talk to your counsellor about when and how to share your past with your boyfriend.