Allison D

I am looking for ways to encourage my boyfriend to open up to me. I understand that men are a little less likely to want to sit and discuss their feelings. I know this is a common problem for a lot of guys because they have been told their whole lives to 'suck it up' and 'be a man', etc... Nevertheless, we are at a critical point in our relationship and I need help being supportive of my boyfriend while he tries to figure out a balance. I feel that communication is a crucial factor when it comes to long-lasting relationships.

I have talked to him about expressing himself more and opening up to me, but I need actual 'actions' I can do, or ways that I can phrase what I want to say to him so that he would be more apt to open up.

For example, I will ask him questions (even things that I feel as simple, basic questions, but not to him I guess!) and will receive no answer. Like, "Do you want to watch a movie with me?" or "You want to take the kids on a walk?" Or he will say he does not care or shrug his shoulders. I want him to care! Or at least respond to me in some way, shape or form!

I would appreciate any helpful answers.

I have two children, I live with my boyfriend, we are not married or engaged. I do not wear a ring and yet, people refer to my boyfriend as my husband all the time. I am not sure how to handle it because immediately interrupting with "we are not married" just isn't appropriate in all circumstances, but I also do not want to lead people on or have them feel "lied to."

Does anyone with similar experiences have helpful advice?

If I gave clients discounts for services can I claim that on my tax returns as a deduction? Any helpful websites would be appreciated.

I babysit my landlord's puppy five days a week.

I take her out either three times a day (9, noon, and 3) or I bring her over to my house to be with us. Otherwise, she sits in her crate till "mom" comes home.

Today, we had a doctor's appointment. I left the dog (and my own pup, same age, same litter) outside in my fenced in yard with my back door open so they could go in and out. I left her a message saying this was what I was doing.

She called me freaking out etc..., and I think this is the end of my dog babysitting days. (There are more details, mostly irrelevant, to this if interested.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ajchs...

I am having this person's problem of three years ago, except nothing seems to help it. Sometimes when I rate an answer positive, it will give it a thumbs down as well. Any solutions? Is there a place I can send this querie to?

We just got a new puppy and I have no idea what to do with her food dishes. I already had a cat, but I keep his food dishes up on a shelf where the cat can reach and the babies cannot. I keep his litter box closed behind the bathroom door. I keep the food bags locked up in the pantry.

What procedures do you have to keep the kids out of the food? I prefer an out-of-sight-out-of-mind method, but I am running out of places to hide!

I have four pepper plants, two aloe vera plants, one parsley plant, and one chives plant. I want them to not die over the winter, and ideally I would like to plant the veggies and herbs in my garden next summer. I'm thinking I need to buy them an indoor light because otherwise they won't be getting enough sunshine.

What sort of light should I purchase? Links and frugality are appreciated.

And hows does that make you feel?

How do you feel about them having an ex on their profile?

Sky cake, why are you so delicious?

If you think that is a fairly decent representation of religions' evolution through time comment and give me a star!

If you had a registry for your baby, did you want people to get exactly what you picked out or did you mind if they ad lib?

My friend picked out a baby sling, which is what I want to get her, but I prefer I different one. I figure she might benefit from my "experience".

She wants : http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/IWCatProductP...

I prefer:http://www.theslingstation.com/mayapadded.html

Should I get the one she picked out or the one I like? Both purchases will include receipt (just in case).

She gets about twelve hours at night and sleeps about two hours at nap time. I let her fall asleep and wake up naturally. I go to get her as soon as I hear she is awake. As soon as I try to do anything with her, she gets upset. I've just been waiting for the steam to blow over and distracting her.

I wonder if there is any way to avoid this or make it less apt to occur.

Check it out:

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE5...

How many mothers currently do keep their children rear-facing this long?

I know many mothers do keep their child rear-facing "as long as possible," but how long does that usually turn out to be? I've never heard of a specific case so extreme.

I am trying to decide on a family friendly vacation for a family of four with two young children. I have a 4 month old (who will be a little over five months at time of vacation) and a 15 month old

Are there cruise lines OK with a 5 month old traveler?

Any family oriented type cruises that anyone is familiar with? I don't want to do Disney since they are a little to young for that.

If a cruise isn't a good idea, any suggestions? I live in Indiana and I have free tickets to fly anywhere in the 48.

The thing is: He is a good guy, he takes care of me and our two children, he works, he is generally stable, but he has been lying to me and hiding prescription pain pills from me. He doesn't have a script, but gets them from his friends and his mom. He said he doesn't just take them for pain but when he is stressed or when he has to get up early. Am I justified for being concerned about this or should I just let him be since he is a good father and provider? Should I leave him alone about it? When I ask him questions he tends to get defensive because he says I am judging him, though I am trying to avoid judging him. I am just worried that he is/will get addicted.

How long after pumping do I have before it needs refrigerated?

How long in the fridge before it needs frozen?

How long does it last in the freezer?

How do I prepare it for a bottle once it is frozen?

My newborn is jaundiced. He tested pretty high in the 75-90% range. What are your experiences with jaundice? What did the doctor suggest to make it better? I am talking to my child's pediatrician tomorrow, but I wanted to know what other people's experiences have been. Also, I am concerned that I might be asked to supplement because of "breastfeeding jaundice"

When you and your partner disagree about something how do you best compromise? What has been your worst dispute to date? Are there some things that you just would not budge on and that he would just not budge on? And most importantly ladies: How did you get your way!?

I am starting to freak out.

I have been experiencing the symptoms of SPD for at least a month now and for a long while I chalked it up to the normal pains of pregnancy. Finally, I was like, "How can I cope with all this pelvic pain?" So, I did some research on the internet a few days ago and discovered SPD. I tried to tell me doctor about all these pains today at my appointment and she of course shrugged it off as "normal."

I am really afraid that I am going to strain myself too hard during labor or that the many labor interventions (stirrups, epidural) are going to do further damage. This website even suggests not laying on your back during labor and avoiding vaginal exams when possible.

I am in serious pain! The nurse suggested I take Tylenol!! I'd have to be on that stuff 24/7! I am not willing to drug myself up as much as I would need at the expense of my developing babe!

What should I do? How can I convince them that I am not making it up?

My daughter is about to start walking.

I think she should be in soft-soled shoes and only when she's outside or when we go out.

What are the strategies of other mothers?

For my first, I started having contractions the night before. I woke up in pain and called my midwife. Twelve hours later....

This time, I've been heavily contracting since Sunday, but nothing regular and only mildly uncomfortable.

What was it like for you?