My girlfriend (I'll call her Lucy) and I are very serious about each
other, and have decided to go away together for a weekend alone for
the first time. We have decided to go camping so that we can really be
alone. Even though we are still in high school, we feel like we are
ready for this important step because we love each other very
much. But some people say that we should wait a while. Don't you think
we are ready? What do you think, Gabby?
Signed, A Camper in Love
Dear CAMPER,
I wish all young people were as responsible as you two sound! I am so
glad that you're taking this important first step as seriously as you
are. It is very important that you talk through this planned weekend
with lots of love, understanding and caring. If you're both absolutely
certain that you want to go through with it, then you have my
blessing. But don't forget to plan, because you really need to be
prepared for your first camping trip alone together. At your age, it
would be terrible if anything were to go wrong. So remember, come
prepared: A lot of young people's lives have taken a dramatically
different turn just because they forgot to bring matches.
Gabby
Dear Gabby,
My wife and I try to keep a gender-neutral household. I share in the
cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping, and she works in the garden
and repairs things around the house. When it comes to cooking, though,
we have a real problem. She's a vegetarian, and I'm the kinda guy who
likes a big juicy schnitzel now and then. And since she won't touch
the stuff, the only chance I have is if I cook it on the nights when
it's my turn to cook. But then my wife gets mad at me, and says I'm
not sensitive to her nutritional needs. What should I do?
Want to Have My Schnitzel And Eat It Too.
Dear Want,
You're right, you have a big problem here. It sounds like you need to
take a very direct approach in order to radically break out of this
granola trap you're in. Why don't you try cooking her a curry wurst
for dinner tonight, and see what happens? Who knows, things could
really turn around for you! If that doesn' t work, stick to salads;
it's obviously hopeless.
Gabby
Dear Gabby,
My husband, who is German, is obsessed with going for walks all the
time (especially on Sundays)--and I just can't see the point to it
all. He says it's cultural, so I try to understand, but sometimes I
just can't stand the thought of another endlessly long, directionless
loop with no destination. Any advice?
Sunday Driver
Dear Sunday Driver,
I commend you on your willingness to try to bridge cultural gaps. I
think that you two should be able to reach a compromise. Maybe you
should try to integrate some hobbies with his interest. You could take
up a new hobby that you could enjoy while outdoors, like bird
watching, for example, or photography. If your husband should complain
that this breaks his stride too much, then just remind him that you
could have taken up watercoloring instead.
Gabby