I was out for a friend's birthday and at the end of the night, two of my girlfriends kissed my husband on the cheek before we left. They're both not very close friends of mine; they are part of my group of girlfriends.

One of them tried to date my husband when we'd broken up and were dating others; and the other one is known to have been with a friends' ex when they were together. In other words, I trust my husband, but not them.

In a totally unrelated incident a couple of weeks ago, a friend's wife touched my husband's leg when we three were talking and she reached over my legs to do it. I noticed that she was fairly touchy all night, but still thought it was inappropriate.

Am I overreacting? My husband refuses to pull away if he sees a kiss on the cheek coming, regardless of the person doing it and he refuses to make a scene. I know that if I say something to my "friends" they'll think I'm being a jealous freak.

Annoyed

Your reactions suggest that you do NOT completely trust your husband, nor have full confidence in yourself.

Yes those women in your circle are flirtatious, but a goodnight cheek-peck among a friendship group is rarely worth serious concern. As for the other woman, if she's touchy-feely with everyone, forget it.

However, if she's only that way with your husband, she's to be strategically avoided instead of letting her behaviour get to you.

You do have a jealous nature, that's evident. But your husband may also not be recognizing his part in these encounters. He's undoubtedly aware of what triggers your reactions. If women lean in to kiss him, he doesn't have to make a scene, but he can make sure it's an air kiss.

He can be sensitive and thoughtful if you ask for his understanding, rather than question his responses to other women.

Do NOT say anything to your friends. And DO examine whether you're bringing insecurity to these social outings.

I'm 46, on my own with my eight-year-old son for the past six years.

I've tried dating sites, and met many men. But lately I'm trying to figure out why I haven't met someone yet for a meaningful relationship.

I'm well liked at work and have a couple of male friends who'd probably begin a relationship should I be interested. I'm just not attracted to these men. They have a lot of issues with their ex-spouses and I only see them as friends.

I've thought maybe it was because my son is so young; or I should lose a few pounds. But I'm size 12, comfortable with me and if a few less pounds were to attract someone, that's kind of shallow isn't it?

I cannot buy into the mentality of "let's see how sexually compatible we are before thinking about a relationship" - which many men seem to have.

Your thoughts?

Wondering

It's good to be reflective - it means you're ready to work at meeting appropriate men to take seriously. Let trusted friends, colleagues and family know you're interested in a serious relationship; expand your own network - and your horizons - by doing something new. I'm talking about a real interest, whether taking a course or studying a language, or delving into fitness.

The "new" will bring enthusiasm, along with other people and ideas into your life. This positive outlook always looks more attractive and welcoming than just losing a few pounds!

My son, 17, refuses to wear a bicycle helmet when he rides a bike. I was going to have him sign a contract stating that if something should happen I would not be responsible. Am I taking it too far??

Shaky Mom

You're pitting yourself against your son, turning this into a power struggle instead of a safety issue. Forget the contract - you'd be at his side in a heartbeat if anything happened to him.

Hand him some research on head injuries. The ThinkFirst Foundation at www.thinkfirst.org stresses the concept, "Use your mind to protect your body."

He'll learn that each year an estimated 500,000 persons in the United States alone sustain a brain or spinal cord injury - and injury is the leading cause of death among children and teens. The most frequent causes of these injuries are motor vehicle crashes, violence, falls, sports and recreation, including bicycles of course.