We’re both 49, dating four years; I’m divorced, he’s had two previous live-in relationships.
He travels for business, some long stretches. I’m concerned that he’s living a double life. He checks his email very privately; he rarely answers his phone in my presence.
I’ve caught him in lies: e.g. he neglected to tell me he’d checked out of a hotel, and didn’t explain where he went. Once, he said he was on a business trip, but no one at his office knew. He’s often unavailable by phone at night, while away.
He acts traumatized when I’ve expressed suspicions over his covert behaviour and possible infidelity. I’ve broken up several times, explaining that I can’t cope with his secretive behavior, but we get back together.
He’s started lashing out at me about my questioning him.
What’s happening here?

- Always Anxious

Too much mystery, too little trust on both sides.
He may not be cheating, but he’s also not open with you, doesn’t share details of his work or connections to others. If this is his nature, not infidelity, you still have to face up to living with his secretive ways.
To test his interest in changing enough to hold onto you, ask to join him on one of his trips; at home, arrange to socialize as a couple with his colleagues, and engage them in conversations about their work.
If you get nowhere with these “getting-to-know-you” efforts, it doesn’t matter whether his is a “double life” or just a closed one: There’s not enough for you to share. 

I’ve gotten along well with my neighbour and her son for years, but several years ago she got two huge dogs that become frenzied upon seeing other animals or strangers. She’s erected wooden lattice above our mutual four-foot fence, but the dogs eventually destroy it.
Recently, she’s acquired a beautiful Rottweiller plus a smaller dog, and taken a tenant with a bigger Rottweiller. These dogs bark and growl furiously when anyone or anything appears in my yard. They charge the fence and bare their teeth at me, my daughter (age 4), everyone.
I’ve started carrying a shovel on my way to my car in case they come over the fence. These dogs are not trained, never walked; her yard is full of dog feces. She claims it’s my fault that I don’t try to befriend the dogs.
She has no regard for the anxiety and potential danger of the situation. I’m close to calling the police and animal control but I hate it when neighbours anonymously call authorities.
How I can take the high road?

- Frustrated

Walk next door. Explain your fears and frustrations, especially for your young child. Have some information at hand about calming dogs through regular exercise and training.
Dog expert Cesar Millan says dogs become aggressive “out of frustration and dominance. The frustration comes from a lack of exercise, and the dominance comes from a lack of calm-assertive leadership.”
Show interest in her dogs’ welfare by providing her with Millan’s web site, www.cesarmillaninc.com, which makes it clear that canine aggression needs to be handled by the owner, not the neighbour.
Meanwhile, speak to local animal control authorities to learn the regulations on how many pets per home are allowed, noise laws for the area, etc. If the woman refuses to take responsibility, you’re free to report her.
Consider getting other neighbours onside with your complaint, but do not do anything anonymously, you’re in the right. 

My wedding date is in three months.
When my mom saw our chosen venue - a historical building which I find beautiful - she said its old, dirty and disgusting. The manager advised they’ll be “spring cleaning” soon. However, we’ve had major fights where she’s insulted me and my choices.
My parents initially offered to pay for their guests. My mom’s now threatened not giving me any funding unless I change the venue.
I’m okay paying for the wedding, but I’m offended. 

- Distraught

Stick with your choice, and pay for it - to establish independence as a couple, but not to be nasty.
This is a sensitive time for both you and Mom: you have normal bridal anxieties; she may be feeling loss and insecurity about her role. Solicit her taste and ideas in decorating the venue… flower choices, draping, etc.
Include her in the rest of your planning, as much as possible.