Dear Hailey,

My boyfriend has body dysmorphia and will often message me negative comments about his body. I want to make him feel heard but also support him, and not play into what his dysmorphia may be saying. When he messages me things like, “my man boobs are huge” or “I look like a fat monster,” I just don’t know what to say.

In the past when I denied it (he doesn’t have man boobs, for example), he got mad at me and said I was lying. Yes, he is a little chubby, and he’s also really cute and funny … Read more

Dear Hailey,

I had a falling out with someone I considered a close friend and I have had so much trouble coping with it. Three months ago, I asked my friend for a favor. She declined & then proceeded to tell me that I was not someone she considered a friend. She was upset I had not followed up with her earlier in the year regarding a trip she was planning with me, her roommate, & some other mutual friends. I apologized & took ownership for not following through with her trip plans. I felt terrible knowing that she was … Read more

Dear Hailey,

I want to ask my dad to be my best man. He’s the greatest man I’ve ever known and we are so close. However, my best friend is expecting me to ask him. How do I tell me best friend, without hurting him, that I want my dad? I’ve asked all of my groomsmen (4- dad will be 5) and now very keep asking who the best man is. The wedding is in 5 months so I need to decide soon.

Stressing Groom

Dear Stressing Groom,

This is your day to celebrate, to officially join your life to … Read more

Dear Hailey,

My boyfriend is great, but has recently been making random racist remarks. I am completely against that and it is pretty out of character for him. It always makes me feel uncomfortable and I try to explain to him how that is wrong and why he needs to stop and he refuses. I love him, and have for so long, I don’t want to just leave him, but just me talking to him about things like that isn’t actually getting through to him. What do I do?

Sincerely,

Uncomfortable

Dear Uncomfortable,

You’ve done the right thing by approaching … Read more

Dear Hailey,

My husband and I are unable to have kids, due to medical issues that I have. We have looked into infant adoption, adopting from foster care, and even tried fertility treatments (I knew they wouldn’t work due to the medical issues, but my husband is so desperate for his own child that I agreed to try). I want to move forward into looking at adoption, but every time I start, my husband gets distant and doesn’t really want to be involved in the process.

I know he wants kids, but I don’t know what to do at this … Read more

Dear Hailey,

I’ve been in an abusive relationship for 15-years. It’s been one filled with gas lighting, manipulation, and verbal abuse. I only saw it clearly recently when after my ex took my daughter to the place he’s working so he could “be a dad” and then told me I was being a bad mom if I didn’t come visit.

This is a man who could never let go of me, he clearly doesn’t see me as a human being who has needs, thoughts, and wants. I’m a tool to him, I’m usable. Because when we’re together he’s controlling, when … Read more

Dear Hailey,

I struggle with looking MUCH YOUNGER than I actually am, and it can get awkward in certain situations. I teach high school, and sometimes other teachers are shocked when they find out my real age (when they ask, I certainly don’t offer it). I know that so many women out there would love to look younger, but it feels more like a curse than a blessing. 

For example, I went to Sam’s Club the other day and wanted to try a piece of shrimp at the food sample cart. The man looked at me and said, “Do you … Read more

Dear Hailey,

I am 57 years old. My husband and I have two children 21 and 17 that still live at home. My husband grew up in Maryland since the age of 3 with his aunt, uncle and cousin who is like a brother to him due to the death of his parents. His four siblings stayed in PA with other relatives. I lived in NJ when I met my husband. We both worked for the same company in different states. I left the company we worked for, my family and friends to come to MD to be with him. … Read more

Dear Hailey,

So I’m getting married in May, and I’ve got a potential dilemma that I don’t know how to tactfully approach, or if it’s even my place. I chose my best friend as my matron of honor, and my sister as my bridesmaid. My sister is thrilled about my wedding, and was so excited to contribute to planning my bridal shower. As far as the shower goes, I know I’m having one, but beyond that, I’m letting them surprise me.

The problem is, my MOH isn’t sharing with planning or coming up with ideas, and I feel that she’s … Read more

Dear Hailey,

I have a close friend who I’ve known for a long time. We are both in our 30’s and this past summer she got engaged to a man she met online. They didn’t date long before announcing the engagement (6 weeks).

I am happy for her, but I feel like I’ve been shoved aside- granted I KNOW that the boyfriend/fiance/husband relationship does become the first priority because that’s the person you’re going to spend forever with and all, but this person has always been super considerate and thoughtful, but since she started seeing him we haven’t talked much … Read more