My boyfriend and I have been together for three years. I took three days off from work after working 7 days straight, to spend time with him. But today, he says he's sick and can barely talk.     
      I know it’s true, but Ellie, he's always working. We’re loyal to each other but that's not enough to make a relationship work.    
      He complains I always want to talk which isn’t so. I’ve been there when he's away for months for addiction treatment (three separate times). My feelings didn't change nor did I want to be with someone else when he was gone.      
      But I didn’t want to talk to him as much. He called me everyday, staying on the phone even if we had nothing to say to each other. I love the guy, that's why I want to spend time with him.     
      I texted him that I’m giving up because I’ve done my best. I don't want to end up like my parents – separated after years of marriage.
      - Very Upset

Your huge expectations for your anniversary couldn’t be fulfilled. But, your “giving-up” reaction is about far more. This isn’t an easy relationship. Your boyfriend has repeated problems with addiction and then compensates by overworking.     
      “Spending time together” is what you need to feel secure, but he has excuses to avoid it (your talking).    
      You’ve seen the handwriting on the wall and that’s why this incident has upset you so much. Your parents’ story is not yours. Instinct and wariness have you re-considering things before you make a huge mistake. If this guy isn’t willing to find more time with you, move on.

My daughter’s 13 and is unfocused sometimes, not paying attention to time. She gets a ride to school but she’s seldom ready, takes a long bath, can't decide what to wear, doesn't have her breakfast until pressed, etc.      
      It’s such stress for me in the morning. She's lost gloves, lunch boxes, leaves food spoiling in her locker. She's smart, does well in studies, but will forget a book in school and panic over tests, sometimes.     
      She’ll start something with high energy, high enthusiasm, but drain quickly. She’ll argue with me over small things, making me feel drained!       
      She can't keep her eyes off her TV even with one minute to leave. My elder daughter is the complete opposite to her. I don't know what went wrong and why I can’t get any sense into her!
      - Concerned Mom

Please don’t label your daughters as right or “wrong,” Mom, each is unique.     
      This one may be highly imaginative. The great positive is that she’s doing well academically – a sign that her tardiness (dreaminess) isn’t about serious problems like being bullied, or feeling inadequate.     
      Much of her behaviour is common for many teenagers at a time when their hormones and personal insecurities exert an influence. She also appears to be a perfectionist – another reason for being indecisive, distracted from projects, fearing tests.    
      Instead of monitoring her small failings, encourage her successes far more; talk to her teachers and see if they, or the school guidance counsellor, have strategies for kids who are seemingly unfocused and forgetful.      
      At home, help her choose her clothes the night before, keep TV off at meals, resist issuing orders. Offer granola bars, yogurts, hard-boiled eggs and milk, all easy to eat without dawdling.    
      Changing routines is work, but easier and more constructive than hovering over her and feeling so frustrated.

My colleague and I hit it off immediately; enjoying after-work activities, e.g. dinner without hubbies, golf, skiing. Suddenly, she started avoiding me and pushing me away, saying her hubby was jealous of her friendships.     
      He works overseas and they see each other just four times a year. Now it’s a business relationship only, she said. I wrote her a nasty email that didn’t help, so I apologized and now it’s all my fault. What should I do?
      - Devastated

As a caring friend, try to understand her dilemma: She has a jealous husband who attempts to control her from a distance. And she lets him, revealing her insecurity about this “four-times-annually” relationship.     
      Apologize for your reaction, again. Explain that you miss her, but understand why she must do this. Wish her well, and behave as a good friend at work.      
      I’m guessing that her marriage may have new chapters … and she’ll want your support, eventually.