Friendship Finesse. Veritable Prisons. And Shellfish Public Enemy #1.

Dear Ms. Meniscus,

My ex-boyfriend and I still talk, and every few months or so have a fling. The problem is that we're in no way together and he finds it essential to tell me about the other women in his life. I'm not ready to stop knowing or loving him and though his info about his lady friends doesn't get to me nearly as much as it used to, there are certain things I'd just rather not know. But we're friends and I always tell him he can say anything to me. How do I go about handling this situation?

-Janus

Dear Janus,

First, why do you think your ex-boyfriend is interested in sharing minute details of interactions with his lady friends? Perhaps he wishes to make you jealous. Perhaps in his mind you have entered the 'just a friend' category and he feels his exploits will be welcome fodder for your conversations. On his latest album, Bruce Springsteen sings "Come on let's be friends," a song which possibly refers to the Israeli-Palestinian mess in the Middle East. Your predicament is far less tragic, gargantuan, and strife ridden. Though your situation is worlds different, the underlying truth is not. Friendship is complex, mon ami. Just ask Freud. The best advice Ms. Meniscus can offer is to be candid and forthcoming regarding what you do or do not want to hear. Honesty is the best policy if you want to retain his friendship while still being true to your own desires (or lack thereof).

Dear Ms. Meniscus,

I'm in high school and my parents watch every move I make. I get so frustrated with them and can't take it anymore. How can I make them let me do what I want?

-The Rat Pack

Dear Rat Pack,

First of all, Ms. Meniscus can assure you that all people of the teenage persuasion feel frustration at some time or another regarding the limits of freedom during adolescence. Ever seen "The Breakfast Club?" Freedom, individuality, and independence are clearly prominent aspirations in the film and in its real life counterpart. Rebellion! Revolution! Resistance! cry the masses. Unfortunately, as Ms. Meniscus is not acquainted with your parents, she cannot suggest any magic key that will unlock your prison door. However, she can suggest that honesty and forthrightness are usually solid approaches to communicating desires. Ironically enough, sometimes wild freedom comes out of diligent responsibility.

Dear Ms. Meniscus,

It has been over ten years since I was told that I have arthritis. I was told the type that I have but I do not remember what type it was. I was told that it is also the worse form of crippling arthritis. My question is: Most arthritis medication is made from Shellfish or so I am told and I can not take it due to my allergy to Iodine. Is there something that I can take for it so that I am not in as much pain? I am currently on a very strong pain killer since I can not take most arthritis medication.

-Shellfish Shenanigan

Dear Shellfish Shenanigan,

Alas, alack, the old allergy conundrum. Ms. Meniscus can truly sympathize, as she is allergic to countless foodstuffs. However, Ms. Meniscus regrets to inform you that there is no "MD" after her name; i.e., she is not a medical doctor. The best advice from Ms. Meniscus regarding the somber issue of medication for the atrocities of arthritis, is to see a physician and articulate your concerns. After doing so, you may want to consult the helpful pharmacopeia here on creakyjoints to learn more about the medicine(s). Best of luck.

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