Q: My aging mother has been living in a nursing home for just over a year. She's always been a very positive person, but now she barely speaks to us when we visit her. Is depression a normal part of t... more

Q: Ever since my daughter became a teenager it feels like I'm raising a little monster. Honestly -- and I'm ashamed to say it -- there are times I just want to pull away and separate from all the dram... more

Q: While my husband was away on a weeklong business trip, I had a male friend from the office come over to eat and brainstorm a work project. After my young daughter fell asleep, we hung out watching ... more

Q: My wife left me and filed for divorce, which I didn’t want. But now it’s done. I’m concerned about how I can have a positive influence on my kids since I’m only allowed to be with them a few days o... more

Q: My wife and I both recently retired. We weren't able to have children, and through most of our 45 years of marriage we've just quietly gone about our daily business. Neither of us finished college ... more

Q: It seems like whenever I try to make some improvement in my life, like developing a good habit or learning a new skill, I fall short of my goals. I seldom make as much progress as I hope, and it's ... more

Q: My wife and I have been married for about four years. We're both a bit concerned that our relationship is already starting to seem a little stale. Is that normal? What can we do about it?... more

Q: My wife and I just got married. We're working on setting realistic financial goals and sorting out our budget, but we're a little stuck on knowing how much to save (especially for emergencies). Do ... more

Q: I'm a mom in a house of boys (three young sons, one husband). I grew up with two sisters myself -- i.e., "just us girls" -- so the constant competition between my little guys has been a real shock.... more

Q: I struggle at my job with feeling overlooked and unappreciated. I'm surrounded by people with more experience, skill, and/or education who get the attention. It's pretty discouraging; how can I kee... more

Q: I know my 10-year-old daughter is going to be facing tremendous peer pressure as she matures and enters the teen years. How can I help her develop the confidence to resist and stay true to the valu... more

Q: One of my not-so-distant relatives is an extremely difficult person to be around. "Chris" can spot a flaw from across the room -- and never wastes an opportunity to criticize. I know I shouldn't ca... more

Q: I'm not much for resolutions, but I do like to take stock occasionally. I've got a good life -- solid career, married well, good kids, nice home. Still, I don't want to miss anything. What's your b... more