I was diagnosed with herpes four years ago while in a committed relationship. We broke up months ago and I’d like to move on, but I’m having problems figuring out how open and honest to be about my situation.       
      I hadn’t past it on to my ex. We mostly used protection but there were a few times when we didn't.     
      Friends say I shouldn’t say anything until I know there might be something more, but for me that’s dishonest and I just don’t want to be that guy.   
      However, at the same time I’m afraid that I’ll be judged … not for me, but because of the herpes.
      - Secret Fear

Your friends who say keep your herpes diagnosis to yourself are not the people with whom you’re having sex!
      You don’t want to be judged for your condition, yet keeping this sexual “secret” will surely have you judged as far worse –“deceitful,” “selfish” and “dangerous” are some charges that come to mind.    
      You sound like a good guy who wants to do the right thing and that means speaking up as soon as YOU have interest in seeing someone again with even the possibility of a sexual liaison.     
      That’s the “something more” that requires truth-telling … not further along when you’re thinking this is a relationship after the proverbial horse already left the barn, and you two have enjoyed sex play together.    
      Be ready with clear information about how two people can still have intimacy and intercourse, the precautions needed and the risks involved. The right woman will appreciate you for being honest, fair and caring.

I’m 39, female and “temporarily” moved back home after my 9-year relationship broke up. I’m battling with my ex over our house and possessions; our settlement’s taking longer than projected.     
      I’m now ready to move out and get my own place but my mother’s preventing me. She keeps asking for money (I’ve helped out with expenses and her mortgage payment), making it difficult for me to save. Or she throws a tantrum with foul language and abuse.     
      I sleep on a couch that her dog has peed on, I have no privacy because the only TV is in “my room” so every night she sits on my “bed” with her smelly dog and I can’t sleep until she’s finished watching. I bought her a TV to put in her room, but she isn’t interested.      
      She only wants things her way. I feel that if I don’t move now, I never will – and this is NOT helping me get back into the dating world.    
      How can I get the message across that I’m moving out without her going postal on me? I never expected this from her, or her financial situation being so bad.
      - Stuck

Move, soon! Make a plan – you can get help from a local woman’s agency (yes, they’re set up for abused women and this level of emotional abuse qualifies you).     
      They’ll help you find affordable accommodation and advise you how to choose a safe time and method to leave the house without a hysterical confrontation.     
      The staff can also help you organize your finances, so you can leave your mother some funds to tide her over until she figures out how to manage as she did before you moved there.    
      Her seemingly worsened circumstances may be the result of changed health, so as part of demonstrating that you still care about her, arrange for her to see a doctor and accompany her there … after your move.

My daughter’s best friend split with her boyfriend who was addicted to cocaine. My daughter confided in me, telling me this guy stole money from her friend, got access to her family’s banking information and withdrew their cash.    
      He then went after my daughter who’s now seeing him and I can’t talk sense to her. She’s 28, lives at home, and has no money and no future with this man. What can I do?
      - Livid

Change your bank accounts and access numbers; he’s an addict, a thief and a con artist with young women. Your daughter won’t accept criticism, so simply tell it straight:
      You love her but have great fear and anxiety regarding this man. If she refuses to end it, thereby protecting herself and your finances, there’s no more free room and board.     
      She must work and rent elsewhere ... but you’ll be there for her when she ultimately leaves him.