Dear Neil: I have received multiple mixed messages from this controlling woman in my life, including her acting like a parent and treating me as if I were her child. I have called her on her control issues hundreds of times, but to no avail. So I ended our relationship recently, and have been very […]
Dear Neil: I’m in a three year live-in relationship, and we are at a decision time regarding our future. Either we’re going to commit to each other and get engaged, or it is time for me to pull the plug and move on, because I very much wish to find somebody I can settle down […]
Dear Neil: I’m desperate to salvage my relationship. We’ve been in an on again/off again relationship for the last 6 years. We have three children, and one on the way. We both have full time jobs. While I tend to the children, cook dinner, clean, do laundry, help with homework—his job takes priority over everything, […]
Dear Neil: The man who I love broke up with me after a 4 year romance. Now, months later, he wants us to rekindle our relationship, but he has not suggested marriage. I’m in my 30’s and I’m wanting to start a family—and I’m unwilling to be strung along forever. Do you have any suggestions […]
Dear Neil: I believe the key to running away from someone you want is interesting. I grew up in an abusive home. My mom called the police, and my dad had to move out. I asked my dad if I could go too, but he said no. It felt normal for me to witness and […]
This is the second of a two-part series. Click here for part one Dear Neil: I have recently declined opportunities to spend time with my father, and I told him that it was because he has been acting very entitled, and is therefore not a very enjoyable person to be around. I wasn’t rude, but […]
This is the first of a two-part series. Click here for part two Dear Neil: I have an adult stepson who is 37. He and his wife have 3 kids (6, 5 and 3). Since I retired in 2012 they assumed that I would be their on-call babysitter. One day he brought his daughter over […]
Dear Neil: I grew up with a father who was very critical and controlling, but I was never on the receiving end. I am now critical of my husband, and on a regular basis I point out flaws in his thinking, his behavior and in his speech. I regret everything I say, but I cannot […]
Dear Neil: How can safety be built into a relationship? Do you have any suggestions on how to do so? I’m with a guy that is afraid to risk much because he’s afraid of getting hurt again. Don’t Know What to Do in Denver Dear Don’t Know: Connecting with someone, deepening a relationship, bonding and […]
Dear Neil: I need help. I find myself being frustrated and resentful toward my husband. I have been taking care of and providing for our family all of our married life (15 years), while he hops from one job to another, or doesn’t work at all. I am currently in debt, and I can’t just […]