My girlfriend of one year is 25, I'm 27, we're madly in love. We're also both very driven with ambitious goals: I'm in the technology sector working my way up the corporate ladder to the senior executive level; she's a part-time law student and full-time program coordinator at a non-profit.
She wants to take a job in a developing nation, to gain international non-profit experience helping women and children in need. But I'd have to put my career on the back-burner to go with her.
I don't know what to do and it's tearing me apart.
We want to spend the rest of our lives together but it seems one of us has to make the ultimate career compromise.

- At a Crossroad

Make this decision part of an overall shared plan. For example, if you were to accompany her overseas for a two-year stint, she'd then commit to moving with you for the next level of your career.
Meanwhile, try to find a research project or work connection that you can manage online while away, which will boost your resume. Corporations are very impressed by the candidate who's broadened his/her experience by doing something different that brings an added dimension to their thinking.
If you two can make these kinds of arrangements, commitments and compromises to stay together, you'll be a more solid unit for the future.

My boyfriend has had a close female friend for three years.
I'm not jealous about other women friends, but this woman's always touching my boyfriend, or hugging him and ignoring me.
My guy says they've never dated, never hooked up, and she has a boyfriend.
I trust them, yet it bothers me that she's overly flirtatious with my boyfriend. And it angers me when people think they're dating, because of how she acts. This is making me hate her.
I've tried to be friendly and she's brushed me off. But I know if I want to have a future with my guy, I need to get along with her.
He dismisses her actions with, "She's like my sister" and, "She acts this way around every guy" (true).
He's just moved to Arizona and I don't want to nag him about her now that he's away, but I also don't want this to ruin our relationship.

- Stressed by Her

Since your boyfriend is no longer able to hang out with her, I suspect your focus on their friendship is a distraction from what's really bothering you.
It's only natural that you're wondering whether you'll both maintain this long-distance relationship. It's making you anxious about the fact that he didn't show understanding of your feelings about his gal pal's flirting.
Raise it with him openly and directly, without blaming him.
Write him a letter – e-mail is too often dashed off in haste, while a letter can be re-read before mailing. Gently explain that once he's in a relationship, misleading behaviour from female friends is inappropriate, and feels uncaring to the partner.
Ask him to please set some limits with this girl when they're next together. Also, ask him to tell her that he wants her to acknowledge you as his girlfriend, so that you can all be comfortable to sometimes hang out together as mutual friends, even as two couples.

I've recently signed a lease with four girls whom I've gotten along with well for a year.
I later decided to change universities so will sub-let to someone. However, I'll still be in the house for the summer.
The girls have had "house meetings" without me, talking about how inconsiderate I am. They're spreading lies about me, without seeking the truth.
I mentioned to one that my boyfriend may be getting a job in the area, and she blew it up so now everyone hates me, believing I've invited him to live here without talking to them (not so).
How do I handle them until fall?

- Hurt and Confused

Confront these Mean Girls: Make it plain to each one that your boyfriend isn't moving in.
Also say you'll not sub-let to someone until they've met that person (but don't give them approval rights as they could keep blocking your choice just to be difficult).
Say that you haven't changed, but are disappointed that they have.
Then, if necessary, ignore them. They're choosing to act in a brat pack, while you're moving on, and will also have your guy around for support.