My co-worker use to beg me for months to go on a date with her son. I finally gave in and we have been dating for about a month now. Things are great, but another co-worker has recently started slipping that the Mom now brings me up in a negative tone. Most recent example: “Don’t you think it’s a little weird that ________ already met his sister?” This was her idea! I feel totally uncomfortable at work and with my new guy. What do I do? –PS
PS, moms are protective of their little boys, even when those boys are grown men. Politely ask your co-worker not to share mom’s comments. It’s exacerbating the problem. With regard to mom, have you ever heard the saying “kill her with kindness”? Treat mom like a queen and eventually she will acknowledge your title as princess. If she doesn’t, you (and your boyfriend) will know you’ve done everything you can to play nice.
Angela, my girlfriend never pays for anything! It’s almost like she expects me to pick up the tab everywhere we go. I was brought up to be respectful but this is getting ridiculous. I don’t want to break up with her, but I do want her to realize how good she has it. How can I make her appreciate me without being blunt? –Deep Pockets
Big Spender, I’m traditional in the sense a man usually pays for the bulk of dining out in a relationship. But this doesn’t mean that I don’t grab coffee or pick up take out. It’s a small gesture but it works. It lets the other person know you are invested in the relationship too and not just in it for a free ride. Your girlfriend should be making small gestures of reciprocation. Since she’s not, and this is bothering you, it’s time to address it with her.
You don’t have to be blunt, but you need to be honest. And if you have a hard time telling her directly that you wish she would chip in, conveniently “forget” your wallet next time you guys go to lunch. When she pays, thank her and let her know it’s sexy when she takes on the role of providing for you every now and again.
I’m dating this guy and I’ve noticed on my Instagram newsfeed that he is “liking” girls’ photos, including his ex. He is “liking” bathing suit pics or #selfies, which I do not think is okay! How can I approach him without sounding like a stalker? –Instacreep
Dear IG Pro, no, it’s not ok. Your guy’s behavior is disrespectful. It’s the internet version of hitting on another girl at the bar while you are in the bathroom!
You have every right to ask him not to “like” provocative pictures of other women. If he disagrees or gets angry, it’s time to take a hard look at your relationship. If he creeps in plain sight, he will certainly creep when you aren’t looking.
Do you have a question for Angela? E-mail NakedTruth@bocamag.com!
About Angela Lutin
On her popular blog, www.essentiallyangela.com, divorced single mom Angela Lutin dispenses musings on life, raising a teen, navigating the single scene, and tips to stay sexy regardless of your age or relationship status. A social media addict, she recently launched her new weekly Twitter conversation @essentiallyang—aptly titled #sexychat—that answers dating, sex-related topics and anything in between. Angela’s “Naked Truth” dating advice column appears weekly on Bocamag.com and also exclusively in Boca Raton magazine. Follow Angela on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/EssentiallyAngela or Twitter, https://twitter.com/essentiallyang.
