Q: I’m 28 and my boyfriend of five years is 29. I’m ready to get married, and he’s flat-out not, but wants us to stay together. Our maturity levels vary greatly. I’m getting my Ph.D. while working full time. He has a job, but can’t save or manage money and jus...

Q: I’m 23, and not unsuccessful with women, just in finding one who wants to stick with me. I approach women two ways: hook up, then part company, or, if I have strong feelings, I work the gentleman angle — ask the woman out, spend quality time with her, and hold off on making moves until we get to know each other. This approach always fails, and I get friendzoned. I used to tell myself they were afraid of commitment, but more than once, I’ve watched these women get a boyfriend shortly afterward.—Not A Player

Q: I met my dream girl in my poker group in grad school. I recently moved far away to start my own company, but I plan to move back in about six months, once it’s up and running. I just learned on Facebook that she and her boyfriend broke up, so I sent her flowers. She posted a picture of them and thanked me publicly on Facebook, but hasn’t answered my e-mail asking about her plans after grad school. I don’t think she’s too interested in me, so I need some good ideas. I’m on a shoestring budget, so what can I do from 1,000 miles away that would rub her the right way?—Hopeful

I’ve been dating a guy I really like for a month. He’s been in a long-distance relationship with a woman since last spring. They spend a week together every couple of months, and were off and on for a few years prior. She’s coming to visit for three weeks next month, and afterward, they plan to part for good, as she’ll be working in another country. I want to be mature about this, but if he wants a relationship with me (he says he does), I don’t understand this big romantic last hurrah with her. He says it’s unfortunate timing, and he has to have this goodbye fling, as it’s been planned for a long time. I’m feeling like the consolation prize and question his level of interest in me. Am I being an unreasonable princess?

was boarding a plane to attend her best friend’s wedding. I thought it would be good for her to be with friends after hearing the news, but it ruined her weekend. She pretty much thinks I’m a terrible self-centered idiot, and she’s right. Here’s the good part: I want her back.

Q: I started seeing this amazing guy, but had to initiate most of the making out. He soon dumped me, saying he has little experience and was freakingout. (He’s 40, and has only had three girlfriends.) We got back together, but he still wasn’t initiating, and six months in, still hadn’t had sex with me. After a perfect date, I told him I wanted to make love to him. He said he wasn’t up for that kind of attachment, hightailed it out of my place, and ended it again. We’re friends now, but I’ve fallen totally in love with him. I can tell he’s attracted to me, but my friends think he’s gay or sexually dysfunctional. I told him I wouldn’t care about the latter. He’s too great to walk away from. He gets my weird artwork and disturbing humor, and we work great together on art projects. I’m considering making my upcoming 40th birthday my deadline and telling him what I REALLY want. If he cannot commit or initiate sex, I’m leaving! Right?

Q: The girl of my dreams works at a restaurant I eat at almost every day. When she started six months ago, I began sitting in her section. I’ve never had feelings this strong. I can’t even look at her without freezing up. Two months ago, I asked her out, and she turned me down, saying it was a bad idea because I’m a customer and she’s too busy to date.

Q: I love to dress up and go socialize with people. My boyfriend, however, can only smile friendly and chitchat for about 20 minutes before he seats himself in some corner and starts reading the host’s books.

newlyweds but dated for three years. She’s always been truthful and forthright, so I was dumbfounded that she kept this from me. She claims they’re “just friends,” insists the past is the past, and won’t discuss anything. I had trust issues with my ex-wife and have abandonment issues (thanks, Mom), but had ZERO insecurities about my wife until this.

in, made us strip to our underwear, then bound and gagged us. We were tied in chairs, back to back, but were able to hold hands. (We weren’t hurt, and my mom came home and untied us a couple hours later.) I’ve always been attracted to this woman, but she has a boyfriend.