Dear Christine I met my partner on a dating website (no, not Grinder!) a couple of years ago. My boyfriend and I have been together 2.5 y and it’s been a great relationship so far. But my boyfriend has always suggested that we open our relationship to include sex with others outside of the relationship. I don’t really want to…
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MORE ON ‘FREE’ WORK – THE EMPLOYEE WHO VOLUNTEERS QUESTION: I work for a non-profit that helps people who are victims of abuse and sexual assault. We are repeatedly told we have to keep our hours down, and overtime is not approved. Some of my work needs more time and attention to detail than I’m allowed. I’m willing to volunteer…
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I want to introduce myself, My partner Marie and I live in Windsor with our 14 year old son. We are hoping to move to Ferndale next year – our son has attended Interlochen Arts Camp for the last 2 years, and wants to go to the Academy next year (seems like a good time to move back to the…
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Dear Christine, I hope it’s okay to ask a question if I’m not a member of the LGBT community. My son is gay and I follow a lot of things going on in the community, and both his father and myself are very involved and supportive of him. The question, however, is about my marriage. I’ve been married to my…
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As winter winds start to howl this season, taking a few simple precautions can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and fewer homeowner insurance claims. With temps in the single digits and below, the biggest risk is water damage created by pipes that become frozen and burst. While in most cases insurance companies will cover the cost of burst…
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NO PALATIAL ESTATE? YOU STILL NEED AN ESTATE PLAN QUESTION: My wife and I have about $200,00 in savings and investments, plus we are very close to owning our $160,000 ranch house. My wife says we need an estate plan; I say we don’t own enough to need to worry about it. Who’s right? ANSWER: Webster’s dictionary lists several definitions…
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Dear Christine, I am 46 years and came out to myself and the whole world about a year ago. Retired to Study full time at uni where I fell in love with my lecturer and assessor of several of my units, she is single and the same age, don’t know her sexual orientation. I am besotted with her and cannot…
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Hi Christine, I am 25 year old female I’ve just lately like a couple months ago realized I’m bisexual even though I have gotten with a women way before then and enjoyed it. I have always found women attractive and when I got older I became very attracted to women sexually. For a while now I’ve been interested in women…
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TIT FOR TAT? WORKER’S REFUSAL TO COVER TATTOO COSTS HIM HIS JOB QUESTION: I work at a large retailer. Several weeks ago, I got a tattoo of the Virgin of Guadeloupe on my forearm. She is the patron saint of Mexico; I wanted to show my solidarity with the many Mexicans (and others) being deported. My boss told me to…
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Dear Christine, I’ve been in a sort of transition from being a husband and father in the straight world to finally realizing and accepting that I am gay and prefer men. My wife knows and we remain friends and I have been “dating” for over a year now. My problem is that I haven’t been able to find anyone who…
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TAKE THIS JOB AND SHOVE IT? OK, BUT EXPECT A CHALLENGE TO UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIM QUESTION: Until last January, a co-worker and I were responsible for writing, editing and layout of several newsletters for different companies. In February, my co-worker, who had been heroically battling cancer, passed away. In the weeks that followed, I continued doing the work we had formerly…
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Saving for a home, retirement, a vacation or anything else can be difficult. The median retirement savings of all working-age families in the United States is $5,000, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Given that many financial advisers recommend having about $1 million in retirement, that leaves many families far short of their retirement plans. Don’t let such big goals…
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Dear Christine, I am 24 years old and only recently came out to my parents. I’ve been with women for many years but due to a strict upbringing, high expectations etc I never felt comfortable telling them. I eventually told my mom just before my 24th birthday, and I expected the worst! But all I got was “It’s your life,…
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ONE EMPLOYER, TWO LOCATIONS – DOES OVERTIME APPLY? QUESTION: I work part-time at two different medical clinics, in different towns. One of them is owned and operated by two doctors, who also own the company that manages both medical clinics – does payroll, sets hours, and pays benefits – although the doctors don’t actually own the second clinic. Between the…
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“This is how I keep myself from killing people!” This is a line I hear pop out of my mouth when showing off my abundantly blooming gardens. The first time I heard myself say those words, I was uncomfortable. I am not a violent person. I never have been. I have painful memories and traumas and spent many years in…
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