I'm 24 years old, married, and kid-free. While this seems to be the ultimate lifestyle in my mind, I'm feeling more and more left out and alienated by my friends. Seven of my friends had babies in the last year. The few who haven't are single, and they spend their weekends barhopping and looking to hook up. I can't relate to either of these situations, and I'm feeling as though I no longer have any close female friends.
I haven't been able to get together with anyone in months, as my single friends don't make plans in case they get a date and are not interested in, say, a dinner party when they could be out clubbing. The new moms don't go out much, and when they do, all the talk is baby-related. I've known all these women for many years and I'd hate to write them off completely, but I'm starting to feel like I need a new batch of friends. Do you have any advice? — Neglected Nadine
I'm all for injecting a little humor into the otherwise stodgy, conservative ritual of getting hitched, but these cakes and decorations cause me to scratch my head rather than bust a gut. Lack of planning, perhaps? In which case, the moral of this story is: Don't wait until the last minute to choose your cake. You may live to regret it.
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Source and Source
J Street, a new Jewish lobbying organization, plans to campaign for a two state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Frustrated because, in their opinion, the term "pro-Israel" has been seized by a conservative minority of Jews and Americans alike, J Street hopes to be a voice for left-leaning Jewish Americans.
Currently, the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is "the most important organization affecting America's relationship with Israel," enjoying a $100 million endowment. Some academics have criticized AIPAC for pressuring the US to set aside its own security to advance the interests of Israel. Others counter that such a characterization serves anti-Semitic causes.
J Street's founders are somewhere in the middle. They want to counter right wingers, whose positions they believe go against Israeli and American interests. The group will raise money and donate it to politicians who will help bring about a two state solution and comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and Palestine.
Are you happy to see views that don't fit the typical dichotomy infusing the discussion? Is it essential that both sides come to the center, or should Jewish Americans not be expected to give up loyalty to a single Jewish state?
I have been single for over a year, and while I've been on several dates, nothing seems to last. Of course the only common factor with these dates is me, so I'm starting to think that it's something I'm doing. Now I'll admit I've been out of the dating game for quite a while and I was never too good at it to begin with, but now it seems that I am totally clueless!
I'm the type of person who refuses to play games (why bother?) — if I like you, I see no reason not to tell you. I don't think playing games with someone gets you anywhere, so I've made it a point to always be totally open and honest about my feelings and my intentions. Since I'm still single, I have to think that maybe men are turned off by my openness or that I'm too forward or confident.
I recently went on a few dates with a guy I really like; we talk frequently online and over the phone and had two great dates. Our second date ended with a good old fashioned makeout session. Since we've been talking at least a month, I didn't think it was too soon or "slutty" to do so, plus we have amazing chemistry. I also told him that I would like to see him more frequently, and maybe during the week as well (we've gone out on Fridays). He seemed open to it, and the rest of the date went well. We spoke over text the next day (to tell him I had a fun night) and he seemed distant and even a little grumpy. Now I have not spoken to him in almost three days, which worries me since we would talk pretty much every day. What do you think? Am I using the wrong tactics? Am I scaring guys off by seeming too eager or available because I tell them how I actually feel?
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I mean, with this kind of track record, don't you need to get your medical license yanked away? Even in deep space? (McCoy reminds me of this cat, Smokey, I saw on a television special. He mysteriously shows up at your bedside when your number's almost up — ack!)
Eric Van Peterson
Church
Nike