TresSugar

Do Tell: Does Your Mother Ever Drive You Nuts?

DearSugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0700

How many times do you hear someone say that her mom drives her nuts? I hear it all the time, and truth be told, I've said it my fair share of times too. Now don't get me wrong, I love my mom; I'm very fortunate to have the relationship I do with her, but sometimes her over-protective nature and smothering affection can be a little too much. And even though she's always there for me - whether it's to give advice or offer a listening ear - do tell, does your mom ever just drive you nuts? And if so, what is it specifically that gets on your nerves?

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Good Idea or Bad Idea: Working With Family

DearSugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Since we all spend more time with our co-workers than our loved ones, it makes sense that some of you have a desire to work with your significant other, but what about working with a family member? In Hollywood, parents oftentimes double as their children's managers, but oftentimes it can backfire, (remember what happened with Macaulay Culkin?) resulting in a tainted work and personal relationship. Having a momager seemed to work for Usher for a few years until news of a split hit the wire back in May, 2007. No one knows the details surrounding their breakup, but it couldn't have been all that bad because he's rehired her as his manager!

I know my parents would only have my best interests at heart but even so, I'm not so sure it would be a good idea to mix business with family. What about you? Would working with your family members be a good idea or a bad idea?

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Dear Poll: Do You Still Turn to Your Mom?

DearSugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:00:00 -0700

There's just something about the relationship you have with your mom. Of course both parents love their kids unconditionally, but moms are usually the ones who possess those loving, nurturing qualities we all crave from time to time. Since I'm close with my mom, I rely on her for everything from cooking tips to a warm home when I'm sick. Even though I'm a grown adult, it's still her advice that puts my indecisiveness at bay. Are you the same way? Do you still turn to your mom when the going gets tough?

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You Asked: When Should My Daughter Meet My Boyfriend?

DearSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

I am 29 years old, and I have been with my boyfriend (also 29) officially for almost a year - we dated off and on for about four years. I'm a single parent of a beautiful 8-year-old daughter and I have been toying with the idea of the two meeting, but I am just not sure when. I have been very cautious because my daughter has not seen her father since she was two (and even then she only met him two or three times), which is his choice not mine. I dated a guy a few years back and he met my daughter right way (she was three a the time). We ended abruptly, but for months she wondered where he went and I'm worried that she'll get attached again. If things don't work out between us, I don't want it to be a huge disappointment for her.

Also, he has never once asked me to introduce them, and that makes me kind of worried that he's not ready or doesn't want to. How should I bring up them meeting? Any thoughts would help.

- Tricky Introductions Tess

To see DearSugar's answer, read more.

Dear Tricky Introductions Tess,

Unfortunately, inviting any man into your daughter's life runs the risk of leaving her disappointed if something doesn't work out, but eventually it's a step you'll have to take. However, because of that constant risk, it's all the more important that the men you introduce to your daughter are committed to being a positive influence in her life whether it's for a day, a year, or a lifetime. If you've known this man for over four years and have been committed to him for nearly a year without an expressed interest from him to meet the most important person in your life, I have to say that something does seem a bit off.

Though it may just be a matter of his own insecurities from the idea of being present in a child's life, it's absolutely something that needs to be addressed before you consider letting the two meet. Give him the opportunity to reveal his concerns, fears, and weaknesses. I certainly hope none of what he discloses is a deal-breaker, but do keep in mind that if he can't be a supportive person to your daughter then he's not someone you want around - trust me on that.

If he's open and excited about the chance to get to know her then the next step is talking to your daughter. Make sure she understands that you will always be her first priority and that she can always come to you if she has questions or concerns. It's also a good idea to ease both of them into it, so once they meet for the first time, don't suddenly make it an everyday occasion. Move slowly and cautiously - the balance between being a mom and having a social life isn't easy - so no matter what, keep the lines of communication open.

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You Asked: How Can I Balance a Social Life With Being a Mom?

DearSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

I'm a 23-year-old single mom who has decided to start dating after the end of a seven-year relationship with the only man I've ever been with. I'm trying to figure out how to balance between my love life and taking care of my 2-month-old baby. I've barely gone out since she was born. We've spent so much wonderful, quality time together, and I don't want to sacrifice any of that for my own selfish desires. Do you have any advice for balancing the two?

- Balancing Baby Life Lillian

To see DearSugar's answer, read more.

Dear Balancing Baby Life Lillian,

There's no doubt about it, balancing a baby with anything else can seem nearly impossible much of time. But every mom needs a few hours off once in a while, whether it's an opportunity for a quick snooze or dinner with friends. Though the scale will undoubtedly stay tipped to the mom side - as it should be! - it's OK to enjoy yourself without your baby. Since your baby is so young, and you're still adjusting to being a mom and a single woman, I suggest moving slowly.

Start with an hour or two away during the day, and work yourself up to an evening out. Make sure you have a great babysitter - family, friend, or otherwise - so you won't have to feel plagued with nerves while you're out. And definitely avoid planning too many social occasions too closely to one another. You want to make sure you still have more than enough opportunities to get all of that quality time in. As long as you don't let your social life take over or impede your mom time then I think over time you should have no problems making a healthy transition back into the dating pool.

Source

Middle-Aged Mutant Ninja Mother!

GiggleSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Mom asked for a pair of nunchucks for Mother's Day. It was an odd request and her kids were sure she'd whack herself in the head in no time, but they went ahead and bought her a set - for a good laugh. Upon receiving the pair, she stood up, and used her secret ninja warrior skills to put their snickering to rest. Needless to say, the kids want their gift back. (Thanks, College Humor!)

Dear Poll: Would You Ever Consider Being a Surrogate Mom?

DearSugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Unfortunately, not all women can get pregnant. But then there are some that can get pregnant, they just can't carry their baby full term. Of course adoption is an option, but if you want your own mini me, having a surrogate is another great alternative. The use of surrogate mothers carries a weight of controversy, but calling upon a woman close to you, a best friend or sister is a different story; it might just be one of the biggest favors a woman can ask. Of course, this would never be a rash decision, but I'm incredibly curious, if your sister or closest friend came to you with this request, would you consider being their surrogate mother?

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Mother Pranks Best

GiggleSugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:30:00 -0700

These moms must have done something really horrible to agree to take part in a prank schemed up by their two irreverent sons. The boys forced their mums to stand on a street corner and hurl sleezy remarks and surprisingly forward propositions at male passersby. Most of the men politely declined, as planned, but when one dude asked for a phone number, the boys made a disgusting discovery: Moms got game, too. (Thanks, eBaum's World!)

Group Therapy: Why Can't My Mom Be Happy For Me?

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:53:34 -0700

My mom can never be happy for me, and I don't understand why. When I got into a good grad school, instead of the congratulations I got from everyone else, she made a negative comment about how I better be able to afford it. I was recently approved to buy my first home, and while all my friends and family were so excited for me, my mom didn't even respond to my email. When I called her she made another snooty comment about the cost.

I have been financially self-sufficient since I was 18 - I'm now 30. I have good credit and an excellent work history; I'm not being careless with my money. Both my mom and dad also have graduate degrees and love their jobs, and they've been homeowners since before I was even born, so I don't think it's a competitive thing. I have two younger brothers (one of them barely has his life together) and she acts like every little thing they do is worthy of a party. It really hurts my feelings. I just don't understand why she can't be happy for me. What can I do?

[EDITOR'S NOTE: To be involved in more GROUP THERAPY, click here]

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Half-Dressed Mum Thinks She's Sneaky

GiggleSugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 07:00:00 -0800

What's worse than being seen in one's underwear? Being seen crawling on all fours in one's underwear. Someone wasn't "camera ready" on Christmas morning and tried to cross the room without getting her unmentionables caught on camera. So much for modesty. . .