Do you ever have a question that you want to write and ask about, whether it is dating, finding love, getting along with people you spend time with or finding a new job. Here is the place to do it. You write in and I give you an answer. It will be one you can live with that is well thought out and gives you alternatives when appropriate. Often times when we are questioning what to do next or what to say or do in a given situation, the answer comes to us on our own or we can formulate our answer by getting feedback and opening up. I want to hear what is on your mind. Hopefully, I can come up with an answer that is caring, straightforward, sensible and honest, from there, you will be the one to decide. We all need someone to chat with and share what’s perplexing us. I will do my best to share with you my ideas and I welcome your feedback whether you agree or disagree.

Dear Jenny,
I work at a law firm in a small office with an open space. Often times my co-workers who are older and without small children make comments to me about not working more hours or comments that they are the only ones who do any thing extra around the office. I have a 3-year-old girl and a 1-year-old boy and I work 20 hours per week by choice so I can take care of my children and minimize the time they spend in day care. Part of me wants to ignore the comments and go about my business, but another part of me feels I should speak up and say something to them, but I am afraid I will snap at them and maybe they did not realize how their comments are perceived.
- Roxanne, in Portland, Maine.

Dear Roxanne,
It is usually best to take some time before you react instead of respond when you feel like your work ethic is being challenged and it sounds like you have done just that. Rather than tell them to mind their own business and stop being busy bodies, the next time one of them says something, Say, you know, I would really like to work more hours, however I am not able to because of family obligations. Work is very important to me and when I am here I want to do my job well and get along with everyone to promote a productive work place. You may need to gently repeat this to more than one person at work. Follow up with asking the person you are talking to how their day is going or with some other way to change the subject and deflect any awkward feelings. If this approach seems to confrontational, you might try a humorous approach and say, something like, if those darn kids would just take care of themselves, I might be able to come in here more and then smile or laugh so they know you are kidding around. Be proud of what you are doing for your family and hang in there.
- Jenny

Dear Jenny,
I am 30 years old and recently divorced. I met my former husband, a younger man, through an internet dating service. I plan never to try to meet a man through internet dating again because things didn’t turn out, however I would one day like to be re-married if the right guy comes along. Currently I am happy working and active with a local chorus, but I havn’t met any single men there or at work. Any ideas of how to meet a new
- Single seeking something.

Dear SSS,
First give yourself a pat on the back for being happy with yourself and having a career that you like and a hobby you are active in. Perhaps it would be good to consider if you just want to meet someone if it turns out or if you are really interested in a relationship sooner than later and if you want to have children. If you answer yes to sooner than later and children consider giving meeting people over the internet another chance. There are no guarantees you will meet the right person on your first hit to a dating sight and it isn’t as if exchanging a few emails could hurt. It might be fun and you are in charge of your destiny. If your instincts tell you not to meet a guy trust them. It may take a while (as in months or years) but if a relationship is something you know you want, putting a significant amount of your free time into it will payoff. If you decide to dive in again - don’t limit your options. Mr right could be a few clicks away. Increasing your exposure, whether it be making new friends, finding a job or dating is key.
- Jenny

Dear Jenny,
My husband and I recently moved into a new home and we have not agreed on selecting any of our furniture or accessories. If I like one color, texture, or style he likes another. How can we decorate our home together if we have such different taste in décor.
- Frustrated in Atlanta, Georgia

Dear Frustrated,
I had a similar experience when I moved in to our home with my husband – and I originally thought I would be the one decorating everything and he would be the one saying: “yes, dear.” It’s ok to agree to disagree, just remember to respectfully do so and keep an open mind. It may be that he selects some of the pieces for your abode and you pick others that combine together. You might consider determining a style you are going for in general and a color theme, then you can narrow down your choices. Go through Home Décor magazines and store catalogs for ideas and then present the ones you like with a range of items to your husband, for feedback. Many Furniture stores and Home decorating establishments have designers that will consult with you and act as a mediator and may have some fresh ideas neither of you has thought of so far. Perhaps, if you have a dining room table in mind that you love – negotiate getting a sofa your husband adores. Given some time and negotiating, you might find your husband will pleasantly surprise you with some eclectic and personal finds that endear you.
- Been there

Dear Jenny,
I am single and I like to make meals for my friends or perhaps make dinner for date. I also work a lot and having something fresh on hand is sometimes difficult if I make last minute plans to serve a meal. Any ideas on what I can make in short order that isn’t reminiscent of a boxed dinner or soup.
- Regretfully not Gourmet in Seattle, WA

Dear Potential Gourmet – no longer regretful,
I am so glad you asked me this question. It brings back memories of serving a date some very salty boxed fried rice and soup originating from a package of powder and feeling a little embarrassed about it (for years) Recently I was in a local grocery store and I requested a pound of peeled prawns from the seafood counter. The employee helping me shared that the shrimp behind the glass that I requested is the same shrimp from the bags in the freezer. This got me to thinking that if that was the case the bag in the freezer is even more fresh as it was not thawed or handled. I bought a bag of the frozen stuff and I have been doing so ever since. This concept also works well with chicken tenders and breasts. Take from the freezer some shrimp and rinse it in cool water until thawed and mix with cooked pasta, parsley and garlic. Add a little salt, pepper, olive oil, butter and Parmesan cheese and you have an elegant and maybe romantic meal. If you want to add vegetables or a side of fruit, there are many varieties that store well in the refridgerator for a week or so at a time, cutting down on last minute trips to the store. Try spinach for a tasty salad or just steam it. It cooks in a hurry and will give you more time with your guest.
- Jenny