I recently asked the guy I’ve been dating for six months where we stood. He said he wasn't dating, or planning on dating, anyone else, but we’re still getting to know each other.

I began to stay at his place on weekends, and introduced him to my friends. I've met some of his friends by chance, but he hasn't invited me along with them.

Recently, I saw a woman’s comments on his social media profile. He replied by calling her a pet name and saying he was preparing for when he could see her again, and that he misses her a lot.

I'm not sure if this warrants my getting upset or if my history of being cheated on for years is causing me to have unrealistic expectations of commitment from new relationships.

Part of me says to trust him but I don't want to be hurt.

Fearful

Even though your past experience makes you feel more vulnerable than others, the fact is NO ONE wants to be hurt. That’s why people – including your guy – are wise to take time to decide the level of their long-term commitment.

He’s said he isn’t dating anyone else. All you’ve found here is a statement he could’ve made to an old friend, co-worker, anyone he knew.

It’s easy to say you couldn’t help noticing this exchange and wondered who she is. Keep it light, not accusatory.

If he overreacts and gets all huffy about you being suspicious, then an over-the-top response is a clue that he’s not as “exclusive” as he says.

Still, he may not be cheating. But it could mean he’s keeping his options open. That’s something you need to know, and decide if you can accept, while dating and sleeping together.

I’m a single parent of two children, and worked hard to graduate college and better our situation. I’m employed one year at a huge national company and love my job. I’ve never been late or missed a day of work.

I volunteer to work holidays, stay late, and even work on my days off when asked. But I’m being harassed by upper management, accused of things I didn’t do or say.

I’ve been told they encourage employees to monitor each other, and they welcome demeaning information so that management and other employees can weed out anyone they feel doesn't belong.

I was warned by another employee that I’m being targeted because I’m the youngest employee there and that I’d better start looking for another job now.

The HR people are all good friends with our management and give each other free perks so that they can do what they want.

It’s affecting my health, my emotional state, and my children.

Oppressed

You can fight this terrible and illegal harassment practice through the Labour Relations Board, but it’ll take time, detailed accounts by you of what you’re being accused of, and what you’ve heard.

However, I’d suggest that you first cast about, as privately and discreetly as possible, for another job, to save your health, emotional well being, and ability to carry on as a single parent without this stress.

Once securely re-employed, I strongly recommend you look into the ways to lodge your complaint and back it up, with the labour board. You may also find other employees at this place, who’ll back you up, once they hear someone finally had the courage to bring this workplace harassment to light.

You may love doing the work at this place, but the personnel situation is actually hateful.

My childhood friend of 30 years, hearing that my husband and I are moving to a suburb, said, “If you want to meet, you'll have to come downtown."
I’m at a loss as to how to respond. I see this friend twice a year and we socialize in very different circles. But we’ve always remained in contact. I’m married, and she’s single. We both have tried to maintain a friendship.

Taken Aback

Twice-yearly contact isn’t a close friendship. Moreover, she’s clear about not wanting to make any effort she finds inconvenient.

But, if you want to try to stay connected, it’s now up to you to decide how. You could agree to go to a downtown theatre or restaurant together. Or you could invite her again with another guest who can drive her to your place and back home. If no success, use email and Christmas cards as your occasional outreach.