Jibralta

Awesome. What made you reject the offer?

Do you call her noná? I lost my noná about 15 years ago. She died young. She was great, though. A hustler, like yours. Her name was Cleopatra!

I agree. I do think it's important to pay attention to your gut feelings. But stress has a way of distorting your perspective, at least temporarily. How did you feel before the promotion and the medication? Did you mistrust him then?

Ha! I can't imagine what that sounds like without narrowing it down to a region. If he was upsetting the wildlife around him he's probably from my area lol. Our way of speaking can be very jarring.

I think you did fine.

I don't think there is anything that you can do for him but empathize and let him know you're there. Unfortunately, being his girlfriend, and being involved with him on this deep emotional level makes you vulnerable to being hurt by any negative action he takes. It's just the way it is.

Yes, exactly. Totally inappropriate coping technique. Not a normal adult response. You really have to think twice about a person who does this--it's speaks of self-centeredness and an inconsiderate nature.

Exciting! Let us know how it goes!

Don't be desperate. It's scary. People don't like being treated like an object that can be 'stolen' by someone else, and we don't like having our personal space invaded. It sounds like things are going just fine with you acting naturally. Take your time. Enjoy her company. Relax a little.

I think you need to take a little more time before making a call on what's going on with this guy. Next time you are out, stay a little further away from him and watch what is going on from a distance.

Hormones. They mess with your reasoning. Excellent self awareness. You now have proof that listening to your gut feelings will steer you in the right direction. You went along because you were afraid he wouldn't want to see you anymore. But even though you went along, he still doesn't want to see you anymore. So, that didn't work. It's ok to make mistakes. But it's even better when you learn from them. I don't think you dodged a bullet. This was the bullet and you got hit. But no worries; you'll do better next time.

This isn't a poll, it's your relationship. It's up to you to communicate with him about it. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about what's right or wrong.

Yes, exactly. It's nice that you like to leave notes and cookies for people, but you don't have to do it for everyone. Relax and let your intuition guide you.

I don't know if it's 'healthy' or not, but I do know I would end the relationship. It's a personal preference, though--I cannot tolerate passivity. I find it extremely annoying.

Because he gets off on it. It probably makes him feel attractive and in control. Tell him to keep the book.

I would definitely NOT do this.

You're welcome! I think that's really absurd and counterproductive. I mean, my sister and I loved it because it meant there were adults we didn't have to listen to. But in retrospect, I see how foolish our parents were for teaching us that respecting a relationship partner was optional!

There you go! Thankfully, it was only a couple of months. Still a waste. But it could have been worse. You'll know better next time.

He is stringing you along.

Have you ever thought of writing for a design magazine?

I'd definitely take it. If you absolutely hate it, you can quit. But if you love it, you'll have your foot in the door when a fulltime position comes up.

Could be! I started to feel that way myself around age 32.....!

Sounds interesting.

I guess that's not surprising. It wouldn't work if it felt 'typical.'

Take your time. There's no rush. Be alone for a while. Focus on your home. Make it someplace that you feel safe and comfortable in. Surround yourself with positive people who support you. Cut all of the negativity out of your life.