Two Day Magazine

Dear Natalie,

This is going to sound like a stupid question, but it is seriously bothering me. I started dating this guy about two months ago and we are exclusive and getting serious about one another, but he hasn’t changed his Facebook status from “single” to “in a relationship”. I know it sounds trivial, but I don’t understand why he just won’t make the switch. It feels weird to me. Any suggestions? Should I bring this up or will I look crazy? I mean, I’m 34 years old...aren’t we a little old for this nonsense?

--Facebook Fiasco

Dear Natalie,

My boyfriend and I have been together for three years and we have talked for a while about getting married. He knew what kind of proposal I was hoping for, what kind of ring, etc. Well, he nailed the ring (it's absolutely beautiful!) but the proposal was less than underwhelming. He took me to my favorite restaurant for dinner and proposed after dessert. That was it. No big surprise or anything. He literally just pulled the ring out after I was done with my dessert and asked if I would marry him. Of course I said yes, but in the back of my mind, I kinda want a do-over. Would it be mean to say something to him? He's so excited that we are finally engaged, and I am too, but just feeling like it could have been a little more of an exciting moment. What do you think? Should I say something?

---Bad Proposal

Dear Natalie,

I’m planning my second wedding at the age of 25. My first wedding was a Vegas wedding that I had and it was kind of an embarrassment. We were only married for 10 months (I was 21, he was 23) and it was a mess. Now I have found a true love and we have been dating for a little over two years. I want a big beautiful ballgown for this wedding, but my mom and sister think that is impractical for a second wedding. I just think they are trying to punish me because they both hated that I got married in Vegas the first time around. What do I do? I really want the dress of my dreams (I didn’t even wear a wedding gown the first time around!) but my mom thinks I should just wear something very simple and plain. She’s paying, so does she get final say?

--Wedding Gown Disaster

Dear Natalie,

This is really embarrassing, but I accidentally sexted my (female!) boss when I meant to send the text to my girlfriend yesterday. Both of their names are similar and I must not have been paying attention when I did it. My boss has been avoiding me since and I don’t know if I should talk to her or not about it. I texted her right after I realized it and apologized, but she just responded “K”. She must be thinking I meant to text her when I wasn’t, right? I told my girlfriend what happened and she’s worried I might lose my job now. What should I do? It was seriously a mistake.

--In the Dog House

Dear Natalie,

My best friend keeps setting me up on these terrible blind dates with guys that I have absolutely no interest in. It's been THREE TIMES NOW and when I asked her politely to stop setting me up, she became really offended and suggested that maybe I was still single because I was too picky. We haven't spoken since this argument (which was a few days ago) and I don't know what to say at this point. She acts like she's some big matchmaker or something. How do I smooth things over, because clearly I hurt her feelings.

--Over It

Usually I answer a specific question from one of the many wonderful readers of twoday magazine. But lately, I have been hearing a lot of similar questions about condom use and dating. AKA: Girls seem more timid than ever to “ask” a man to wear a condom during sex. The young women that I have talked to and heard from are concerned that if they ask a man to wear something, they will not want to, find someone else who won’t ask, and/or become angry. As sad as this is, it seems to be a common issue among high-school and college-aged women. Sounds like the ladies need a pep talk (and guys, you need a reality check...condoms protect you, as well!)

Dear Natalie,

I recently proposed to a great girl who I have been dating for about two years. We have started planning the wedding and while I am glad to be getting married, I can’t help but think about my ex-girlfriend. Recently, she found me on Facebook and we have reconnected. She lives out of state (reason we broke up) and got married, but has been messaging me that she made a mistake and wants to get a divorce so we can have another chance. I don’t know what to do. I thought she was “the one” at the time. Even though we have been broken up for about 5 years, I wonder if I’m making the right decision in getting married. Do you think I should pursue her or let it rest? I just worry I won’t be able to move forward if she’s still on my mind...

--Past Regrets

Dear Natalie,

My husband had a nervous breakdown last year; he left me and we have since separated. I have since moved out of the apartment we shared together. All my stuff is in storage and I haven't talked to him since January. Since then, I've been crashing at friends’ places and at my mom’s; I’ve been traveling ever since, back and forth to different countries, trying to figure out what to do...feeling unsettled...and undecided about my future. Should I continue to travel and not get my own place, or should I settle down, and become more stable? I can't figure this one out? I love traveling but also miss having my own space where I can rest my head every night.

--Restless Lady

Dear Natalie,

My boyfriend and I have been dating for about six months and recently I revealed to him that my last relationship was with a woman. We lived together for about three years and things just didn’t work out. She was the only woman I have ever been with, and I consider myself bisexual. Now, ever since he found out, he has been acting weird. He thinks that I’m going to leave him for a girl, even though I explained to him that I am faithful to him. How do I get him to get over this? What does it matter, anyway?

--In the Past