Mixed Signals, Body Piercing, and More Marriage

Dear Ms. Meniscus,

There is this guy. We have been friends for about six months now. We email each other often, and in the emails, he is very sweet to me. He'll ask me how I'm doing, or he'll ask me to write back soon - things like that. And yet, when I am with him in person, he acts completely different. He won't talk to me very much, and he'll sometimes abruptly walk away from me. At times, I think he is just shy - though most of the time, I fear that he doesn't really like me. Though the attention he gives me in emails is very sweet, his behavior towards me in person is confusing. What is your take on this boy?

-Confused

Dear Confused,

Perhaps he is one of those old-fashioned chaps that is sweepingly romantic through written correspondence, but becomes shy and embarrassed when he sees you in person. This is rather endearing, in my opinion. My advice is to cancel your subscription to indecisiveness and take the initiative: ask him out. For all you know, he is wondering why you don't follow him when he walks away from the crowd.

Dear Ms. Meniscus,

I want to get my body pierced. Should I?

-Hole in One

Dear Hole,

In the end, most people will do what they want, regardless of advice offered by family, friends, internet columnists, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. That said, I will share with you my opinion on the matter of body piercing. If a needle goes through a part of your body not attached to the side of your head (i.e. ears), then you may face the quizzical stares of strangers and potential employers. This could serve as either a deterrent or an incentive. Act accordingly.

Dear Ms. Meniscus,

I am about to marry a man who is 24 years younger than I. What is a good response to people who assume he is my son?

-Mistaken Mommy

Dear Mom,

Toss back your hair and laugh, chiming, "Oh, no. This is my husband, darling!" Then give your man a kiss and beam proudly. I suggest you practice this choreographed maneuver before a mirror, for it may be a routine you perform often.

Have a question for Ms. Meniscus? Submit it below. She looks forward to hearing from you!