Carolyn Hax

DEAR CAROLYN: I cheated on my ex. I'm extremely ashamed of this part of my past.

DEAR CAROLYN: Quick background: I wrote to you before about my daughter's on-again, off-again relationship with her boyfriend whom we didn't like, and you wisely advised us that it was none of our business unless abuse or drug use or something was involved.

DEAR CAROLYN: My father was a nightmare. When I was a kid, he would tell me I was "a b---- just like your mother" and throw things at me; he even threw me down the stairs once and broke my arm. By the time I was 13, I realized I hated him and wanted him gone.

DEAR CAROLYN: My mother's the most caring mother a girl could ask for. However, she oversteps boundaries.

DEAR CAROLYN: My parents have invited the extended family, mine and my siblings', to fly to their home to celebrate a major life event. Everyone is invited to stay at their house except my son – they plan to get a motel room for him. Their problem is, my son is gay. He is married, and plans to bring his husband along.

DEAR CAROLYN: My husband and I (as well as his sister and spouse) are at our wits' end.

DEAR CAROLYN: My husband, "Jeff," and I have a really great relationship. Marrying him was one of the best decisions I have made. He is good to me and kind and does an amazing job overall of being a husband.