Cross-Generational Romance, Name Calling, and Verbal Oversight

Dear Ms. Meniscus,

I am 19 years old, and I am dating a man who is 39. I have known him for a long time, and he has never been married. Things are surprisingly natural between us. We get along very well and are not afraid to disagree with each other. He enjoys it when I am opinionated. He doesn't look down on me or pressure me in any way. Our personalities are very similar. I just get concerned that we don't have enough in common as far as daily occurrences and experiences are concerned. He has been through a lot of things I am going through and is willing to share the wisdom gained. Sometimes we struggle with finding things to talk about. Do all couples face things like that, or am I facing this only because he is so much older?

-Young and In Love

Dear Young,

Many couples endure such domestic disturbances as conflicting interests, discordant political views, and less-than-agreeable personalities. Fewer couples, however, endure the difference that you and your boyfriend share - that difference being 20 years. The two decades alone that separate your birthday from his could be responsible for varying levels of maturity, intelligence, cynicism, and a host of other traits that develop with age. These discrepancies can cut a relationship off at the third date, should the societal stigma against cross-generational romances not get to you first.

Ms. Meniscus has been around for a while, so maybe I'm just being pessimistic about this whole thing. After all, you do state that things are natural between you and your boyfriend, and that you've essentially accepted the age gap for what it is. So long as you are not oblivious to the implications that come of dating an older man, I encourage you to take this relationship as far as it can take you. Good luck, darling.

Dear Ms. Meniscus,

Among my group of friends, I'm considered the "smart" one, or as they call me, "The Walking Dictionary". It is very flattering, but I'm more than ready to admit to myself that I am not that intelligent. I misuse big words rather often, and when someone catches it, I'm very embarrassed. There is so much pressure by my friends to be the "smart" one, but I cannot seem to live up to their expectations! What should I do?

-Not-So-Smarty Pants

Dear Pants,

Ms. Meniscus never lives up to expectations - she surpasses them. And so should you by purchasing a dictionary. Certainly you are familiar with the words "book store" and "credit card," no? Be sure to look up definitions to words that you don't know and to speak only the words that you do know. You will find life to be much easier and, subsequently, less embarrassing.

Dear Ms. Meniscus,

I'm working on an article for our company newsletter addressing the issues of, er, addressing people. For example, one problem I experience is when co-workers refer to me as "Miss Diane" ten times during the course of a two-minute conversation. Even more annoying is when men call me "Honey". Do you have any comments I could use in my article?

-Nameless

Dear Name,

Remember when it was 2002 and people referred to each other as "Julia" in casual settings and "Ms. Roberts" in formal settings, and we all lived happily ever after? Oh, wait, that time is now. The fact that your co-workers call you "Ms. Diane" (assuming Diane is your first name) is odd and perversely antiquated. Immediately correct the offending name-caller who uses your epithet incorrectly, particularly in instances where you are referred to as "Honey," "Dollface," or simply "Woman". I hope I've straightened out any moniker misconceptions you might have had. Good luck with the article!

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