Several months ago, my cousin (now an adult) confided that our uncle had repeatedly sexually abused her from the age of six to eight, while he lived in her parents' house.

That uncle has always been an angry man, so I wasn't completely surprised. It turns my stomach to even see him now, and I get angry when I hear my family saying anything nice about him.

I'm angry that this monster has gotten away with it. Who knows how many other little girls he abused?! I want justice but I can't tell anyone my cousin's secret. I also don't understand why he did this - a crime of anger? Is he a pedophile?

Is there reason to worry that he still has the means to do it again?

Sad and Angry

Time does not eliminate this past crime or the abuser's potential for doing it again. This was a child's "secret," but it's an adult's responsibility - hers and now yours, too - to report this man to the police.

The family has to be told. Their reaction is of little consequence if you're saving other little girls, or finding justice for the other children he likely abused over the years.

If your cousin is telling the truth (and you appear to have no reason to think otherwise), then in many jurisdictions she - and now, you - are also legally required to report this crime, even if it's from the past.

I just found out I will not be able to have more children (something wrong with my ovaries).

I do have one perfect child. But I don't know how to handle the many people who frequently ask, "Are you having more?" Or say, "You shouldn't keep your one child alone and lonely, you should have more and soon!"

I'm at my wit's end to tell people it's none of their business but I work with a lot of them, and many others are insensitive family members. Plus it hurts still that I can't have more - I'm young and I'd love more!

How do I handle these people?

Fed Up

Besides needing to summon the confidence to speak up and, yes, tell some that it's your private business, you'd benefit by reading up on the positive elements of so-called "only" children. (I'm married to one and he credits this for a happy childhood lacking the intense sibling rivalry carried over into adulthood evident among some others).

However, if you feel more children are a must in your life, you and your partner could consider adoption or fostering children who need a loving home.

Meanwhile, you can stop the questions abruptly with an honest answer, if you can handle this. Saying "I can't" and changing the topic, is a clear non-negotiable signal that this is your business, not theirs.

FEEDBACK Regarding some of your readers' concerns about their partner's premature ejaculation:

Reader - "I'm a family doctor and am aware that there's been a lot of work done in the U.K. recently, and treatment of this sexual dysfunction has been revolutionized with the use of an anaesthetic spray applied prior to sexual activity.

In Canada, we have "EMLA" cream, which does the same thing. It's an over-the-counter preparation used to reduce the pain of injections. (Ellie - it's known as a numbing cream).

A small amount applied fifteen minutes before activity and washed off thoroughly reduces the heightened sensitivity that triggers premature ejaculation.

For a year, my boss has been talking to me constantly, teasing me, always around me. But if his boss comes around, he acts almost cold.

He's in a relationship but never mentions this person. He knows that I'm in a relationship but stills acts this way, and puts down my boyfriend, saying he isn't good enough.

I've had people say he likes me. My boyfriend said it sounds like he does, and he hates that my boss acts like this with me.

Confused

You've enjoyed the attention enough to let it continue this long, but now you can stop it. Enough people are aware of his behaviour, so he can't deny it and/or retaliate through your job.

So tell him you're very happy with your boyfriend and want communication with him as your boss to be only as work colleagues. It means no more flirting, and no more put-downs of your guy.