I don’t want to nag him or make him think I’m chasing him or looking for a commitment. On the other hand, since we’re sleeping together, I feel like I’m entitled to some sort of security. I want more, but I don’t want to scare him off. Help! — Catch 37
Dear Catch 37: You're right. The relationship is too casual. Once you're sleeping with someone, everything changes. There are too many STDs out there. You need to protect yourself.
It’s not nagging to ask if he’s sleeping with anyone else when he’s not with you. If the answer is yes, if he’s evasive or if he basically says it’s none of your business, then you need to rethink the relationship.
If he says he’s not and you’re the only one he’s intimate with, then tell him you need a little more “structure.” You’re a single woman with two kids. You can’t just come and go at a moment’s notice. You need to make arrangements for your kids, hire a baby sitter, etc.
If he’s not OK with making some minor adjustments in his M.O. to be with you, then he’s not the right man for you.
Dear Cheryl: I'm a reasonably good-looking, successful, honest man, but I find it impossible to meet women. I won't date women I work with because it's unprofessional. I've tried online dating, but it's been a disaster. The club scene is not for me. I'm not a player. And I'm not the kind of a guy who can approach a woman at the supermarket and say, "Hi, wanna have coffee?" I keep reading about all the millions of single women, but I can't find them. — Tired of Looking
Dear Tired of Looking: You've had some bad luck, I get it, but that's no reason to stop looking if you really want to find someone.
You’re right, there are millions of single women, and they’re everywhere. They belong to church, civic and professional groups, and co-ed sports teams. They do volunteer work and canvass for their political candidates. They take classes at the gym, the Y and community centers. And they want to meet you.
Give yourself a goal of starting one new activity a month, every month this year. And then force yourself to approach women you find appealing. Invite them for coffee, lunch, dinner and/or a drink. Get to know them. If it doesn’t work out with them, they’ll have friends. Good luck, and let me know how you’re doing.
Got a problem? Send it to cheryllavinaol.com.