Dear Queenie,
My husband and I eloped and because we were strapped for cash we used my grandmother’s wedding ring for the marriage ceremony.
We’re a lot better off financially now but my husband still hasn’t bought me a ring of my own. He always has an excuse – we’re buying a house, he has to pay our credit card bills, whatever.
Queenie, this is really getting to me. How do I fix it?—Lady of no ring

Dear Lady,
Many women would be pleased to wear an heirloom ring as the symbol of their own marriage, especially if the previous owner’s marriage was long and successful. However, your feelings on the matter are your own.
Have you really explained to your husband how much this means to you? If so, professional counselling might help you get through to him. Also, you might want to consider professional financial counselling if your husband’s excuses have a real financial basis.

Dear Queenie,
How do you introduce someone you’re living with but not married to? You can’t say “husband” or “wife” because you’re not legally married, but “boyfriend” or girlfriend” seems too casual, “partner” sounds like a business relationship, “lover” sounds like it’s just for sex and “significant other” is just a big mouthful.
Any suggestions, Queenie?—Introduction Etty Ket

Dear Etty Ket,
I understand your dilemma.
How about “life partner”? Or does that seem too permanent? Maybe “live-in boyfriend/girlfriend”?
But you do not need to explain the details of your relationship at first introduction. It is enough to say, “This is (whatever his or her name is),” and leave the further details for later conversation as the need comes up.

Dear Queenie,
My boyfriend has a habit of breaking dates or just not showing up as much as half the time and he never explains why. Other than that he’s everything I could ask for.
I’ve talked to him about this and asked him to let me know when it’s going to happen, but nothing changes.
It also bugs me that he’s never introduced me to any of his friends and we’ve never done anything in a group with them, it’s always just the two of us.
Queenie, what do you think about all this?—Confused girlfriend

Dear Girlfriend,
Your boyfriend may just be unreliable, but I suspect he is married, or at least in a relationship with someone else, and does not want to take a chance on the other woman in his life finding out about you – and, of course, you finding out about her (or could it possibly be a “him”?).

Dear Queenie,
My husband and his first wife shared custody of their children until the kids reached adulthood and they still are is still on good terms. Now that the kids are grown up I don’t see why she still has to be around for family occasions and holidays and the like.
Queenie, am I being unreasonable?—Jealous of the ex-wife

Dear Jealous,
Face it: Even though his children are now adults, your husband’s ex is still part of their family, so any occasion that involves them, such as holidays, their birthdays, weddings, etc., will probably include her. However, I see no reason why she should be included in your personal special occasions, even if the children are.