Dear Queenie,
My husband insists he wants us to have children, but I'm not sure sure I do. I'm not that interested in children and I don't think he really is either. I have noticed that when children are around he just ignores them or goes somewhere else. He says it would be different if they were his own, but I'm not so sure.
I think he just wants to prove how much of a man he is by getting me pregnant, but then I'm the one who will have to carry the baby for 9 months with all the problems of pregnancy, and then go through all the hassle of caring for a new baby and then a toddler and eventually coping with a teenager.
Queenie, will I change my mind once I get pregnant, like he says? And will he be different with his own children?—Doubtful
Dear Doubtful,
It is possible you will change your mind and he will change his ways, but you should not count on it. If you are not absolutely certain about all this, do yourself and them a favour and do not bring unwanted children into the world.
Professional counselling might help both of you sort out your feelings. And in this case I recommend you insist your husband go with you. Tell him there is not a snowball's chance in hell of your getting pregnant unless he does (and maybe not even then, but do not tell him that).
Dear Queenie,
Have noticed that a woman parks her car in front of my house at night and goes to the back door of my neighbours’ house. After a while I see her leave by the front door and I see the husband kiss her goodbye.
Obviously there is some kind of monkey business going on right under the wife’s nose, while she is right there in the house.
Queenie, should I tell the wife about it, and if so, should I tell her face-to-face or maybe leave an anonymous letter in her mailbox?—Nosy neighbour
Dear Nosy neighbour,
If the wife is at home while the visitor is there, she cannot help but know what is going on and apparently whatever it is has her blessing, or at least her consent.
For all you know, the visitor is simply a close relative – “kissing kin,” as they say. Or perhaps your neighbours like to indulge in a threesome.
Whatever is going on over there, you should mind your own business. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a very embarrassing position.
Dear Queenie,
My work provides me with a secure income, minimal stress so I have no reason to complain. The fact that I work with 4 female colleagues should be the cherry on the cake, right? Unfortunately, this is not the case.
As we share one office space together, every day I am subjected to numerous stories ranging from dirty Pampers, no sleep at night, rebellious teenagers, booger competitions, etc., etc. One of the colleagues shares the same story every day.
Their partners are also included in this mind-numbing melee. They either work too many long hours, are never home, or once they are at home are only playing video games, etc. Bottom line: their partners never measure up.
In a couple of years, I will finally start enjoying my well-deserved retirement.
Queenie, how can I prevent them from engaging in this painful routine every day?—About to slit my wrists
Dear About to slit my wrists,
You poor fellow! I know exactly how you feel, having had considerable experience as the only (or almost only) woman in an office-full of men, where I was subjected to interminable conversation about sports, sports, sports, politics, porn and, oh yes!, complaints about wives/partners who “did not understand them” and/or always were “too tired” or “had a headache.”
Count your blessings: you have a stress-free job and a secure income, and are about to retire.
Do not let your colleagues spoil your last “golden years” in your pursuit of their mute button. You will not be able to change them, so instead change your own attitude. Each morning, ask them about their children and partners. This might lead to each of them being less of a chatterbox. No guarantees, of course, so you had better get used to it until your retirement!
Dear Queenie,
Have noticed that a woman parks her car in front of my house at night and goes to the back door of my neighbours’ house. After a while I see her leave by the front door and I see the husband kiss her goodbye.
Obviously there is some kind of monkey business going on right under the wife’s nose, while she is right there in the house.
Queenie, should I tell the wife about it, and if so, should I tell her face-to-face or maybe leave an anonymous letter in her mailbox?—Nosy neighbour
Dear Nosy neighbour,
If the wife is at home while the visitor is there, she cannot help but know what is going on and apparently whatever it is has her blessing, or at least her consent.
For all you know, the visitor is simply a close relative – “kissing kin,” as they say. Or perhaps your neighbours like to indulge in a threesome.
Whatever is going on over there, you should mind your own business. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a very embarrassing position.
Dear Queenie,
My work provides me with a secure income, minimal stress so I have no reason to complain. The fact that I work with 4 female colleagues should be the cherry on the cake, right? Unfortunately, this is not the case.
As we share one office space together, every day I am subjected to numerous stories ranging from dirty Pampers, no sleep at night, rebellious teenagers, booger competitions, etc., etc. One of the colleagues shares the same story every day.
Their partners are also included in this mind-numbing melee. They either work too many long hours, are never home, or once they are at home are only playing video games, etc. Bottom line: their partners never measure up.
In a couple of years, I will finally start enjoying my well-deserved retirement.
Queenie, how can I prevent them from engaging in this painful routine every day?—About to slit my wrists
Dear About to slit my wrists,
You poor fellow! I know exactly how you feel, having had considerable experience as the only (or almost only) woman in an office-full of men, where I was subjected to interminable conversation about sports, sports, sports, politics, porn and, oh yes!, complaints about wives/partners who “did not understand them” and/or always were “too tired” or “had a headache.”
Count your blessings: you have a stress-free job and a secure income, and are about to retire.
Do not let your colleagues spoil your last “golden years” in your pursuit of their mute button. You will not be able to change them, so instead change your own attitude. Each morning, ask them about their children and partners. This might lead to each of them being less of a chatterbox. No guarantees, of course, so you had better get used to it until your retirement!
