I'm mid-20s, and with my boyfriend for three years. We both live at home (he's an only child living with his mother; I live with my mother and older brother).

When asked if he shared my interest in moving out together, he said, NO, he'd only move out when he could buy his own home.

He then said that although he loves me and wants me in his life, he couldn't say what the future holds; he prefers being a "day-to-day person."

I said that things couldn't "naturally progress" any further unless we started thinking about our future. I stated my goals (i.e.: owning a home, getting married, having kids, having a successful career) as things I could only truly appreciate if I shared them with him.

He was surprised that I wasn't thinking more independently and that he didn't want the things I wanted for "quite some time."

I'm concerned that he lacks the maturity and the dedication that our relationship needs. I love him but I feel he expects me to just wait until he feels like making important decisions.

Unrealistic?

No, you're a realist... and he's a dreamer. The two can have a nicely balanced relationship but only if there's compromise. Tell him so. If he's not willing to at least discuss your style of thinking, then you're going to resent this blockade very soon. And then, the only solution will be to go elsewhere for your needs.

I prefer dogs, she prefers cats, and we can't accommodate both. How do we resolve our constant fights about this?

Get couples' counselling first... if you can't handle this one, kids, houses, décor, and cars will tear you apart!

My female friend of 40 years was my best friend when we were early-teens. She became pregnant, married, and we didn't see each other as often. But we've always kept in touch by phone.

Recently, she and her second husband separated, and we connected on Facebook, had lunch, and outings. Now my older sister, who's separating, and my friend have become friends through me.

My sister and I were close once, but she can be very demanding. And she's never inquired how I was nor offered any sympathy when I had to go on sick leave and lost my job.

I got hurt and a little jealous at a party seeing her interaction with my friend. I sent each of them a message but neither of them understands how I felt. Since then, their friendship has become closer, and my sister has treated me awfully, even removing me from her Facebook friends.

I wish I could be happy for the two of them, because they're going through similar things and my sister's needy, while my friend likes to be helpful. Also, they go to bars and party, which I don't do/want. Should I try to fix this with both of them? I'm unsure how to bear these hurt feelings inside.

Left Out

You won't "fix" this by talking to your sister, because there's family history there that's affecting your feelings. When so many siblings can't get along, the "poor communication" with each other is a pattern you all grew up with for years.

But your hurt feelings have gone deep, so you'd benefit from talking to a counselor about them. Fortunately, you're happily married and if you have other friends and interests, you can offset the process of dealing with the past, by enjoying your present, whether or not those two are in it.

I'm 25, my girlfriend of one year is 27. We both just finished school and are currently in a long distance relationship (three hours apart). She thinks it's okay to remain friends with her ex'es but I've seen some recent conversations and she still says "miss you, love you."

She doesn't tell me about these conversations, while I confide everything. Her family and friends have said they doubt we'll last because she's so stubborn. I absolutely love this girl and would do anything for her. But sometimes I do feel neglected. Is there hope for us?

Unsure

I've misplaced my crystal ball, so have to say, "Time will tell." You can nudge it along faster by talking directly to her instead of to her family and friends. Tell her that it's leading an ex on to say, "love you." It's not just a casual expression, where there was once that true feeling.