Hey Uncle Gary, Out of all your married friends, how many would you say are genuinely thriving in their relationships, not just sticking it out, but actually happy and fulfilled? Signed, Curious George Hey Curious George, All of my married friends seem  happy, but happiness isn’t a fixed state, and appearances don’t always tell the full story. Relationships ebb and flow. Even the strongest marriages go through seasons of joy, frustration, distance, and reconnection. If happiness is your goal, it’s worth asking: are we talking about fleeting moments or a deeper sense of contentment and emotional safety? Because the numbers vary depending on how you define it. Some studies suggest that between 25% and 58% of married people describe themselves as “very happy”. Others narrow it further, estimating that only 17% to 30% of marriages are actively thriving. A 2019 Pew Research Center study found that 54% of married couples say things are going “very well” in their relationship, which sounds promising, but still leaves a lot of room for nuance. The truth is, no statistic can capture the private weather systems of a marriage. What matters most is whether your relationship has the maturity, communication, and resilience to ride out the storms. Because some storms are brief, and some are brutal. But the couples who make it through tend to be the ones who keep talking, keep listening, and keep choosing each other, even when it’s hard. Regards, Uncle Gary

I know what you’re thinking: “Is Uncle Gary really about to give me a hygiene lecture like I’m thirteen and just discovered armpits?” Not exactly. I’m not here to shame anyone, and I don’t think young men are roaming the earth in a cloud of funk and confusion. But I’ve seen what happens when structure disappears, when the dorm replaces the dining room, and nobody’s around to say, “Hey, maybe wash your sheets once in a while.” This isn’t an intervention. It’s a nudge. A reminder that the basics matter. That the habits you (hopefully) picked up somewhere between gym class and grandma’s house are worth keeping. If you missed that memo growing up, no shame, now’s a great time to start. You’ll feel sharper, walk taller, and yes, smell better. That last part’s not just for the ladies, it’s for you. Confidence starts with not wondering if your socks could double as biohazards. And no, I’m not suggesting you become the guy who spends twenty minutes inspecting his pores under LED lighting. This isn’t about vanity. It’s about consistency. Cleanliness was one of Ben Franklin’s virtues, and the man flew a kite in a lightning storm, so clearly, he knew how to commit. Bottom line: keep it simple, keep it regular, and keep it together. Your future self will thank you. And so will anyone standing downwind. Laundry: The Silent Reputation Killer If your hamper looks like it’s auditioning for a landfill documentary, it’s time to intervene. Dirty clothes don’t just smell; they send a message. And that message is: “I’ve stopped trying.” You don’t need to iron your socks or alphabetize your underwear drawer, but you do need clean basics. Rotate your shirts. Wash your jeans. And for the love of breathable fabric, change your sheets more than once a semester. You’re not a raccoon living in a pile of old pizza boxes. Act accordingly. Nails: Small Details, Big Impact Unless you’re moonlighting as a flamenco guitarist or chasing a Guinness World Record, there’s no excuse for talons. And chewing them? Hard pass. Gnawed-up nails aren’t mysterious or edgy; they’re unsettling. They make you look like you’ve been nervously waiting for a court verdict. Grab a basic clipper and give your fingers a quick once-over once a week, preferably after your shower when everything’s softened up. Follow the natural curve of your fingertip and leave just enough nail to scratch your head without drawing blood. Toenails? Same deal. Especially if you’re rocking flip-flops, which are basically campus dress code. You don’t want your feet looking like they belong to a woodland creature. And if you’re lucky enough to be canoodling with someone, don’t make them flinch every time your toes graze their leg. Don’t overdo it, though. Over-trimming leads to ingrown toenails, and that’s a pain you don’t want. Cut straight across, leave a little length, and clean up after yourself. Nail trimmings on the floor are not a vibe. If there’s dirt under your nails, scoop it out with the file that’s probably attached to your clippers. And if you get a hangnail, clip it, don’t yank it like you’re trying to start a lawnmower. Contacts: Your Eyeballs Deserve Better Unless you’ve got extended-wear lenses, and even then, don’t push it, take them out every night. Sleeping in contacts for days on end is a fast track to corneal ulcers. I knew a guy who did that. His eyes looked like they’d been through a bar fight. Even with extended-wear, my optometrist gave me the side-eye when I asked about sleeping in them. Just take them out. Your eyeballs will thank you. Facial Hair: Grow It, Groom It, Own It College is prime time for beard experiments. Grow it, shape it, love it, but for the sake of everyone around you, groom it. A little scruff can be charming. A patchy neckbeard that looks like it’s trying to escape your face? Not so much. If you’re going to commit to facial hair, actually commit. Keep it tidy. Define the edges. And if you’ve been using a cartridge razor your whole life, now’s a great time to try a safety razor. It turns shaving from a chore into a ritual. Plus, it makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if you’re still eating ramen three nights a week. Haircuts: Don’t Let Your Head Become a Hat College is also prime time for letting your hair do whatever it wants. And that’s fine, to a point. But when your mop starts interfering with your vision or makes you look like you’re wearing a wool helmet, it’s time for a trim. I skipped haircuts my first semester and ended up with a thick, shapeless bowl that made me feel like I’d been cast in a low-budget medieval drama. If your bangs require constant flipping or dramatic head swings, ask yourself: Am I a pop star or just procrastinating? And while we’re here, ditch the Supercuts routine. Grab a couple of friends and find a real barbershop. It’s not just about the cut; it’s about the ritual. The conversation. The hot towel. The feeling of walking out looking like someone who knows what day it is. Acne: Treat It, Don’t Just Hope It Goes Away Acne’s a confidence killer, but it’s also treatable. If you’ve got a mild case, wash your face morning and night with something made for acne-prone skin. Spot treat with benzoyl peroxide when needed. If that dries you out, alternate with a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil. And skip the overpriced kits unless you’ve tried the basics first, most of those “miracle systems” are just benzoyl peroxide in fancy packaging. Heads up: Benzoyl peroxide bleaches fabric. Wash your hands after applying it, and don’t wear it during the day unless you want your shirt collar to look like it’s been through a chemical spill. Use a white pillowcase at home, and remember that when you’re staying over somewhere. (Trust me, bleach spots are not a good look on someone else’s linens.) Short hair helps too, it keeps oil and product off your face and makes it easier to stay clean. Wash your pillowcase regularly. If things don’t clear up, see a doctor. There are prescriptions that work wonders. Hand-Washing: The Underrated Power Move A 2005 survey at ballparks found that 37% of men skipped the sink after using the restroom. Thirty-seven percent. That’s not just gross, it’s a public health hazard. If you want to avoid spending your week curled up in bed with a fever and a bucket, wash your hands. Especially during cold and flu season. I used to blow it off too, until one semester I got hit with a flu so violent it turned me into a human sprinkler. Couldn’t study, couldn’t work out, couldn’t even enjoy being sick. Just shivering, sweating, and regretting every bathroom I’d ever breezed through without soap. After that? I became a hand-washing evangelist. It takes twenty seconds. You don’t need a hazmat suit, just a little soap and some common sense. And while we’re on the topic: get your flu shot. Every year. No excuses. If you’re in school, they might offer it for free. If not, Walgreens will do it for about $35. That’s cheaper than a dinner out, and way more useful. You can’t put a price on a week of your life. Especially when that week might include midterms, dates, or just not feeling like death warmed over.

Dear Uncle Gary, I’m 59. A mother, a wife, a teacher. My life is steady, even lovely, two grown children finding their way, a marriage that still feels like home. I’ve lost people, yes. Parents. A sibling. But grief becomes a quiet companion at this age, doesn’t it? Today, though, today something cracked open. I was walking, nothing unusual, and the autumn leaves were turning gold, crimson, rust. And I just… cried. Not from sadness exactly. But from the sheer beauty of it. From the flood of memory. From the ache of time. I remembered my children as babies. The chaos, the exhaustion, the sweetness. I didn’t know then how much I’d miss it. How much I’d long for the noise and the mess and the small hands reaching for mine. Now, each season feels louder. More vivid. More final. Is it just me, or does aging make the world more unbearable in its beauty? Is it the knowing that there are fewer seasons ahead than behind? Or is it the haunting truth that the simplest moments were the most sacred, and we didn’t know it? I’m not sad. Not really. Just cracked open. Does anyone else feel this way when the seasons change? Signed, Blue Dear Blue, You’re not alone in feeling this. What you described, that sudden wave of emotion triggered by something as simple and profound as autumn leaves, is deeply human. And yes, there’s science behind it, but there’s also soul. As we age, our bodies go through quiet shifts. Hormones like estrogen and testosterone naturally decline, and that can affect the brain’s ability to produce and regulate serotonin, the chemical that helps us feel balanced, connected, okay. It’s not a flaw. It’s biology doing its thing. But it means we might feel more tender, more reflective, more vulnerable to the bittersweet. Then there’s the season itself. Autumn, with its fading light and golden decay, can stir something ancient in us. Less sunlight means less melatonin and serotonin, which can disrupt sleep and mood. That’s part of what causes Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a real and common condition that makes the darker months feel heavier. But what you’re feeling isn’t just chemical. It’s memory. It’s love. It’s the ache of having lived deeply. The changing seasons mark time, and when you’ve lived through many, they start to feel like chapters. You see the leaves fall and remember tiny shoes, sticky fingers, bedtime stories. You feel the air shift and realize how much you’ve carried, how much you’ve let go, how much you still hold. This kind of emotional response isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of presence. Of being awake to your own life. And yes, it can be overwhelming, but it’s also beautiful. Others feel this too. Quietly, privately, sometimes with tears they don’t fully understand. So thank you for saying it out loud. For naming it. That’s how we stay connected. That’s how we remind each other: feeling deeply is not a problem to fix. It’s a gift to honor. Regards, Uncle Gary

Hey Uncle Gary, Is my hygiene routine actually a problem? I could use a little perspective. My fiancé is super particular about cleanliness; he showers daily, sometimes even twice. Meanwhile, I tend to shower every other day and wash my hair every 3–4 days. I’ve got curly/wavy hair, and frequent washing just isn’t practical with the styling and drying involved. I keep an eye on how it looks and feels, and I adjust if needed. I always use deodorant and perfume (sometimes more than once a day), and when I do shower, I go all in, shaving, moisturizing, the works. I genuinely don’t think I smell bad, and I’m pretty self-conscious about it anyway. But lately, he’s been calling me “gross” and pushing hard for me to shower every single day. This wasn’t a thing earlier in our relationship; we’ve been together three years, engaged for one, and I’m not sure why it’s suddenly become a point of tension. Is my routine actually unhygienic? Or is this more about his preferences than any real issue? Signed, Curly Hair Girl Dear Curly Hair Girl, Let’s start with the obvious: your routine isn’t unhygienic. It’s thoughtful, tailored to your hair type, and rooted in actual care. You’re not skipping showers out of laziness; you’re making choices based on what works for your body. That’s not neglect. That’s self-awareness. Now, your fiancé’s reaction? That’s where the real issue lives. Calling you “gross” isn’t just rude, it’s dismissive. It takes a personal preference (his) and tries to pass it off as a universal truth. It’s one thing to say, “I feel better when I shower daily.” It’s another to say, “You’re disgusting if you don’t.” And let’s be honest: this didn’t bother him for the first three years. So what changed? Stress? Control? Some TikTok influencer whispering nonsense into his algorithm? Whatever it is, it’s not about hygiene. It’s about comfort zones and expectations, and maybe a little insecurity dressed up as judgment. Here’s what I’d suggest: sit him down and ask for clarity. Not defensively. Not angrily. Just calmly. “You never used to care about this. What’s shifted?” If he can’t answer without throwing insults, that’s a red flag. If he can, maybe you two can find a middle ground that respects both your needs. But don’t let anyone shame you out of a routine that’s working. You’re clean. You’re considerate. You’re not the problem. With respect for your curls and your boundaries, Uncle Gary

Hey Uncle Gary, I got into a bit of a blowout with my mother-in-law after I asked my husband to run to the store and grab me some tampons last night. Personally, I didn’t think it was a big deal, and neither did he. For context: I’ve always had brutal cramps during the first few days of my period. We’re talking can’t-stand-up, curled-in-a-ball kind of pain. I was on birth control for over a decade to help manage it, but I recently stopped because my husband and I are trying to conceive. So last night, I was in rough shape and realized I was nearly out of tampons. I asked John if he could pick some up for me since I was basically immobilized. He didn’t hesitate, just grabbed his keys and went. An hour later, he came back not only with tampons but also with a bunch of comfort items his sisters had suggested. Tea, snacks, a heating pad, the works. It was incredibly thoughtful, and I figured that was the end of it. Then, earlier today, my mother-in-law called me out of the blue to scold me. She said I’d “humiliated” her son by sending him to buy “feminine products” and called me an a**hole. I was stunned. I talked to my sister afterward, and she said I didn’t do anything wrong. Her husband admitted he might’ve felt awkward doing it, but didn’t think it was worth getting upset over. When I asked John how he felt, he just laughed and said, “I’m 31, not a teenager.” He genuinely didn’t care. So now I’m wondering, was I out of line here? Or is Amy just being dramatic? Signed, Mift Daughter-In-Law Dear Mift Daughter-In-Law, Amy’s not being dramatic; she’s being outdated. Let’s start with the basics: you were in pain, you needed supplies, and your husband, who loves you, lives with you, and presumably knows how periods work, stepped up like a grown adult and took care of it. That’s not humiliating. That’s partnership. That’s love. That’s what we call a functional marriage , and frankly, it sounds like John deserves a medal and a foot rub. Now Amy? She’s clinging to a version of masculinity that expired sometime around the Eisenhower administration. The idea that buying tampons somehow dents a man’s dignity is not just absurd, it’s harmful. It teaches boys that empathy is weakness and that bodily functions are shameful. And we wonder why so many grown men still think “feminine hygiene” is a dirty phrase. John didn’t flinch. He didn’t whine. He didn’t make it weird. He just did what needed doing. And then he came back with bonus comfort items, which tells me his sisters were raised right, and Amy might’ve missed a memo. You weren’t out of line. You were horizontal, in pain, and asking for help from the person who vowed to be there for you in sickness and in health, including menstrual mayhem. Amy can clutch her pearls all she wants, but this isn’t about embarrassment. It’s about control. She didn’t like seeing her son prioritize your needs over her outdated expectations. So here’s your Uncle Gary verdict: You're Not the A-hole. Not even close. You’re the woman who’s trying to make a baby while surviving a uterus that throws monthly tantrums. You’re the one who asked for help with grace and got it with love. And if Amy wants to throw a fit over tampons, she can take it up with the 21st century. Now go hug that husband of yours. He’s a keeper. Regards, Uncle Gary

Why Some People Quietly Steal the Room (and How You Can Too) Ever notice how certain people walk in and the air changes? Not because they’re shouting or peacocking, but because something about them just lands.  They’ve got that invisible pull. The kind that can’t be bottled, branded, or posted with a #mindset caption. Everyone talks about charisma like it’s a genetic gift. It’s not. It’s learned. Practiced. Built from habits so small they barely look like effort. The Real Secret to Magnetism (Spoiler: It’s Not a Beard Oil or a Power Pose) We’ve all met that  person. They walk in, and the room just… shifts. Not because they’re loud, sparkly, or doing that weird “I’m the main character” thing. It’s quieter than that. A kind of gravity. The sort of calm confidence that doesn’t need to post about it. Meanwhile, the internet’s out here telling you to “own the room,” “be mysterious,” and “say less.” Cute slogans. Useless advice. I’ve tried them all in my twenties and thirties. What actually works? I went full nerd, books, lectures, podcasts, psychology studies, the whole thing. Turns out magnetic people aren’t born under some auspicious star. They just practice habits  that make other people feel good around them. That’s the real flex. And yes, you can learn it. No cape required. 1. Warm confidence The most magnetic people don’t puff up or shrink down. They hold space like it’s second nature. Vanessa Van Edwards calls it the “charisma scale”, a mix of warmth and competence. When you’ve got both, people lean in. You’re not performing; you’re inviting. So next time you’re talking to someone, skip the “let me impress you” act. Try actually understanding  them. That’s the power move. 2. Pause before reacting It’s subtle, but it lands. A half-second pause makes you more thoughtful, grounded, and hard to rattle. Neuroscientist Jud Brewer says that pause breaks your brain’s autopilot loop. Translation: you stop reacting, start connecting. It makes you more thoughtful. 3. Pace your words Watch any TED Talk worth remembering. Nobody’s sprinting through their sentences. They let words breathe. Slower pacing makes you credible and centered. Record yourself sometime, then slow it down by 20%. You’ll suddenly sound like someone who’s got a corner office and  a meditation practice. 4. Redirect attention instead of chasing it Magnetic people don’t dominate conversations with “that reminds me of me.” They turn the spotlight around and make you  feel like the interesting one. Negotiation expert Chris Voss teaches this trick: mirror someone’s words, label their emotion, and watch them relax. Charisma isn’t about stealing the mic; it’s about handing it over with style. 5. They speak with their body Former FBI guy Joe Navarro says your body tells the truth long before your mouth catches up. Tiny things matter, eyebrows slightly raised, palms visible, feet pointed toward the person you’re talking to. Those cues quietly say, “You’re safe here.” It’s human body language, not Jedi mind tricks. 6. Make silence safe This one hit me. Magnetic people don’t rush to fill every quiet second. They let silence breathe, and suddenly you feel calm around them. Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory calls it “co-regulation”. Your nervous system is syncing with someone else’s steady vibe. Translation: presence, not performance. Uncle Gary’s Charisma Toolkit Captivate  by Vanessa Van Edwards, everything you need to decode human behavior without turning creepy. The Art of Charm Podcast is a real-world confidence training minus the cringe. Deepstash , bite-sized wisdom for when you’ve sworn off doomscrolling. BeFreed , an AI app that builds your own personal learning playlist from expert talks. Ten minutes a day and suddenly you’re that  person. Magnetism isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. Showing up as the calm in the chaos. The guy who doesn’t need to prove anything because his energy already says it. So, what subtle habits have you  noticed in people who just quietly own the room?

Hey Uncle Gary, My mom (39) is dating her coworker (20). I’m 21, and I’ve actually known him for years; she even tried to set me up with him last summer. We flirted a little, nothing serious, but now he’s her boyfriend. It feels gross, like I’m part of some twisted fantasy. My mom has always been my best friend, the person I trusted most. This broke something in me. She knows how I feel about her dating guys close to my age, but younger than me? I can’t respect that. My younger siblings (19, 14, 9) have already met him and accepted him, which makes me worry they’ll think this is normal. I told her I can’t have her in my life if she keeps seeing him. She said my words were “hurtful” but didn’t acknowledge how betrayed I feel. I love her, but I’m disgusted, heartbroken, and lost. Am I wrong for thinking a 20-year-old shouldn’t be dating a 40-year-old with kids? How do I protect myself without blowing up my family? Signed, Confused and Sick to My Stomach Dear Confused and Sick to My Stomach, That’s a tough one. You’re not crazy, and you’re not overreacting. What you’re feeling is betrayal, disgust, confusion; it’s not just emotion, it’s your boundaries lighting up like a dashboard warning. Your mom didn’t just start dating someone young; she started dating someone who’d been in your orbit.  Someone she literally once tried to set you up with. That’s not just awkward, it’s a boundary blur that would make even Freud need a drink. Here’s the thing: your mom’s choices are hers. You don’t have to approve, but you also don’t have to torch your peace over them. You get to decide what kind of contact you can handle while your feelings are still raw. Right now, that might mean space. Real space. The kind that lets you breathe without picturing them at Thanksgiving dinner. But don’t confuse boundaries with punishment. You’re not cutting her off because you want to hurt her; you’re protecting yourself from further hurt. That distinction matters. It keeps you grounded in self-respect instead of guilt. As for whether it’s “wrong” for a 20-year-old to date a 40-year-old with kids? Let’s call it what it is: a massive maturity gap.  The power dynamics, life experience, and emotional development are all uneven terrain. It’s not illegal, but it’s definitely messy, and it rarely ends well. The fact that it’s upsetting you this deeply means something important: your moral compass works. You see the imbalance clearly, even if she can’t right now. Still, you can’t parent your parent. She’s making a choice that’s painful for you to watch, and sometimes the hardest kind of love is the one that steps back. Here’s what I’d do: Draw your boundary clearly.  Tell her you love her, but you can’t engage while she’s with him. No threats, no ultimatums; just clarity. Find your own support.  Therapy, journaling, or even venting to a trusted friend. You need a safe place to unload what you can’t say to her right now. Give it time.  People in midlife can go through phases that are basically emotional adolescence. Sometimes they wake up. Sometimes they don’t. But her timeline for self-awareness isn’t yours to manage. You’re allowed to step back without making it a family war. Protect your peace, keep your dignity, and remember: her behavior reflects her stage of life,  not your worth or your role as her child. You sound like the grown-up in this story, which is both unfair and incredibly telling. But keep that grace. You’ll need it when she eventually realizes what she’s done. Stay steady, Uncle Gary

Dear Uncle Gary, I have a question that feels a little unusual, and I haven’t met anyone, or even heard of anyone, in quite the same situation. Is it normal for me not to orgasm during sex? I genuinely enjoy being intimate with men. I’m a bottom, and I feel confident in what I bring to the experience. The pleasure itself is wonderful, yet I’ve never had a partner who could make me ejaculate. With toys like Fleshlights or other masturbators, I have no problem reaching climax, but when I’m bottoming, it’s as if the connection to my front side just shuts down. I’m curious whether this is something other men experience, or if there’s a way to better understand what’s happening with me. Signed, Curious Bottom Dear Curious Bottom, First off, thank you for asking the kind of question most people keep tucked away in the “don’t talk about it” drawer. You’re not odd, you’re human, and humans are endlessly varied when it comes to sex. It’s actually not uncommon for men to enjoy bottoming without ejaculating. For some, the pleasure is more about the intensity of sensation, intimacy, or the psychological thrill rather than the mechanics of climax. Think of it like eating a decadent meal: sometimes the joy is in the flavors and textures, not just the final bite of dessert. There are a few reasons why your body might respond differently during partnered sex versus solo play: Stimulation focus:  Toys like Fleshlights are designed to directly engage the penis, while bottoming shifts sensation elsewhere. Your body may prioritize one pathway over the other. Mental wiring:  Orgasm isn’t just physical, it’s tied to relaxation, trust, and focus. If your brain is more absorbed in the role of bottoming, it may not “route” energy toward ejaculation. Individual variation:  Some men simply don’t climax from penetration alone. It’s not broken, it’s just biology. The important part is this: you’re already experiencing pleasure and satisfaction. Orgasm is not the sole measure of sexual fulfillment. If you’d like to experiment, you could try combining stimulation, manual or toy play on the front side while bottoming, to see if that bridges the gap. But if you don’t, you’re still perfectly normal. So yes, other men experience this. And no, it doesn’t mean you’re missing out; it just means your body has its own unique rhythm. The real win is that you’re enjoying sex, confident in yourself, and curious enough to ask the question. That’s a healthy sexual life by any measure. Signed, Uncle Gary

Dear Uncle Gary, I (25F) love my boyfriend (27M). We recently talked about exploring our sexuality, including swinging or threesomes, and admitted we’re both bi-curious. I told him I’d support him if he wanted to explore, as long as it was safe and honest. The very next day, he met a man from an app and had sex. Afterwards, he told me he enjoyed it in the moment, but doesn’t want to do it again. He says it felt unnatural, he doesn’t think he’s bi, and he never wants to play without me involved. I’m glad he was honest, but I feel conflicted. Part of me is upset he acted so quickly, and I worry he might not be telling me the whole truth. I regret giving the go-ahead and now feel like I’ll never see him the same way again. Am I being unreasonable for feeling icky and upset, or should I just get over it? Signed, Icky and Upset Dear Icky and Upset, You’re not unreasonable. You’re human. You gave your boyfriend permission to explore, but permission doesn’t erase the emotional whiplash of watching him sprint out the door the very next day. It’s one thing to talk about curiosity in theory; it’s another to watch it play out in real time. That “icky” feeling you’re sitting with is your gut telling you this moved too fast for your comfort. Listen to it. Here’s the good news: he was honest with you. He didn’t hide it, he didn’t lie, and he came back to process it with you. That’s a sign of commitment, even if the timing was clumsy. The bad news: honesty doesn’t automatically make the feelings easier. You’re allowed to feel conflicted, even regretful, about the green light you gave. That doesn’t make you controlling or “the asshole.” It makes you someone learning where your boundaries actually are. The bigger takeaway here isn’t whether he’s bi or not; it’s how the two of you handle exploration, trust, and pacing. If you feel like you’ll never see him the same way again, that’s worth unpacking. Not in a “get over it” way, but in a “what do I need to feel safe and respected in this relationship” way. Boundaries aren’t retroactive, but they are  adjustable. You can say, “I thought I’d be okay with this, but I’m not. Here’s what I need going forward.” That’s not weakness, it’s clarity. So no, you don’t have to just swallow the ick and move on. You do have to decide whether this was a one-off bump in the road or a crack in the foundation. Either way, the next step is a conversation about pace, boundaries, and how you both want to explore, together or not at all. And if you ever feel like you’re being gaslit by your own generosity, remember: support doesn’t mean self-erasure. You can be encouraging and  protective of your own heart at the same time. Signed, Uncle Gary

Hey Uncle Gary, Twenty years of marriage. Five kids. Back in February I lost my job, and though I’ve recently found another in the same field, it came with a 50% pay cut. I was overpaid before, and the financial stress has been crushing. I’ll admit it, I haven’t been the best husband these past months, buried under the weight of being the sole provider. Meanwhile, my wife started going out three to five nights a week, coming home drunk more often than not. While I was away for two weeks on a work assignment, my kids were texting me almost nightly that Mom wasn’t home. When I got back on Halloween, I took the kids trick-or-treating while she went out again. A few nights later, she claimed she was with a friend, but I’d just run into that friend at the grocery store. My gut told me something was off. I checked her phone. Found texts with a man I’d never heard of, going back weeks, heating up while I was gone. I confronted her. She deleted the messages, swore he was “just a friend.” But the next day she asked for a divorce. Then I saw a text to him: “I have good news. Can’t wait to talk.” Now she’s giving me full custody of the kids. No fight, no conditions. Just gone. Here’s the reality: I work 7 to 4, Monday through Friday. I don’t know how I’m supposed to get five kids to school, pick them up, and still keep food on the table. I’d been picking up side gigs to make up for the pay cut, but that’s off the table now. I asked if we could work on things. She has no interest. I haven’t slept in two days. I’m heartbroken. I’m lost. And I’m suddenly a single father of five. What do I do? Signed, Father of Five Dear Father of Five, First, let’s pause on the most important fact: your kids. They texted you when Mom wasn’t home. They leaned on you when things felt unstable. And now, whether you asked for it or not, you’re the anchor. That’s not punishment, it’s proof of who they trust. Yes, you’re heartbroken. Yes, you’re exhausted. But you’re also the one who showed up on Halloween night, who took them trick-or-treating when their world was wobbling. That’s the job description now: show up, even when you’re running on fumes. Here’s the hard truth: your marriage is over. She’s chosen her path, and you can’t drag her back. What you can  do is stop bleeding energy into the “why” and start pouring it into the “how.” How do you keep five kids fed, schooled, and loved while rebuilding your own life? Start with logistics. Schools have resources, before-care, after-care, bus routes, carpools. Lean on them. Don’t be shy about asking other parents for help; you’d be surprised how many will step up when they know you’re carrying this load. Next, money. A 50% pay cut hurts, but you’ve already proven you can hustle with side gigs. Now you need stability more than extra cash. Focus on keeping the main job secure, then explore supplemental income that doesn’t pull you away from the kids, remote work, weekend shifts, even creative freelancing. And don’t forget you. Sleep. Eat something green. Talk to someone who isn’t under your roof. A counselor, a buddy, a sibling, anyone who can remind you you’re not alone. Because right now, isolation is your enemy. You’re not a “shit husband.” You’re a man who got crushed under pressure and is now standing in the rubble, trying to figure out how to build again. That’s not failure, that’s the start of resilience. Your kids don’t need perfect. They need present. They need Dad at the table, Dad at pickup, Dad who listens when they say they’re scared. You can do that. One day at a time. One meal at a time. One bedtime story at a time. You asked, “What do I do?” You do the thing you’ve already been doing: you show up. And you keep showing up until the chaos quiets down and the new normal feels like home. You’ve got this. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary. And because those five kids already know, you’re the one they can count on. Uncle Gary

Dear Uncle Gary, Mid-hookup, this guy just stops and goes, “Yeah I think I’m done, your breath stinks.” I was mortified. Like crawl-into-the-earth-and-disappear mortified. I left immediately, didn’t say a word, just dipped. Thing is, I looked good  that night. Full glam, full confidence, full-course-meal energy. But apparently my breath said “leftovers.” We’ve known each other for months, and now I’m sitting in this Uber wondering—did I just ruin everything over one bad breath moment? Is there any coming back from this? Or am I officially the girl with the stank breath he’ll never text again? Signed, Mortified and Mintless Dear Mortified and Mintless, First off, let me say this loud and clear: one moment of bad breath does not  define you. You are not “the stank breath girl.” You are a full-glam, full-course-meal human who had a very human moment. And while this guy may have delivered his feedback with all the grace of a sledgehammer, that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to romantic exile. Now, let’s talk about breath. Halitosis happens. It’s not a moral failing. It’s science. It can come from poor oral hygiene, sure, but also from dry mouth, stress, spicy foods, sugar-heavy diets, smoking, vaping, or even medical conditions like GERD, sinus infections, or diabetes. Heck, even nasal congestion or certain medications can turn your breath into a biohazard. So unless you’re licking garlic cloves between kisses, this isn’t about being “nasty.” It’s about being human. That said, if this guy’s reaction felt cruel or abrupt, that’s on him. A little tact goes a long way, especially when you’ve known each other for months. If he never texts again, it’s not because your breath was bad; it’s because his bedside manner was worse. But if he does  reach out? You get to decide whether you want to revisit that connection. You’re not obligated to chase someone who made you feel small. You’re allowed to say, “Hey, that moment sucked. I felt embarrassed. But I’m not defined by it, and if you can’t see that, we’re not a match.” In the meantime, hydrate, floss, brush your tongue, and maybe keep a mint in your clutch just for peace of mind. If the issue persists, check in with a dentist or doctor. But don’t spiral. Don’t rewrite your whole identity around one awkward moment. You’re not mintless. You’re magnificent. And anyone worth kissing should know the difference. Uncle Gary

Dear Uncle Gary, My stepmom keeps introducing my husband as my “friend.” Not once, not twice, every time . We’ve been married for over two years, and it’s not like she doesn’t know. She was at the wedding. She’s met his family. She’s seen the ring. At first, I brushed it off as forgetfulness or awkwardness, but now it feels intentional. Like she’s minimizing our relationship, or refusing to acknowledge it. It’s starting to feel disrespectful, not just to him, but to me as well. I don’t want to cause drama, but I also don’t want to keep biting my tongue while she erases something that matters deeply to me. Should I say something? And if so, how do I do it without turning a family gathering into a showdown? Signed, More Than Just a “Friend” Dear More Than Just a “Friend,” Let’s start with the obvious: this isn’t about forgetfulness. Your stepmom was at the wedding. She’s met your husband’s family. She’s seen the ring. She knows. And yet, she keeps calling him your “friend”, which isn’t just inaccurate, it’s dismissive. Now, I’m going to say something that might hit a nerve, but I say it with love and clarity: your stepmom is likely still in the closet about your relationship. Whether she’s ever said it out loud or not, her behavior suggests she’s carrying her own unresolved fears, shame, or internalized stuff around queerness. And instead of facing it, she’s projecting it onto you. That doesn’t make her a villain. But it does mean she’s not in a place to celebrate your marriage the way it deserves. And that’s painful, especially when it comes from someone who’s supposed to be family. So yes, you should say something. Not to shame her. Not to start a war. But to draw a boundary. Because your marriage isn’t up for debate, it’s real. It’s valid. And it deserves respect. Here’s how you do it: next time she says “friend,” gently but firmly correct her. “Actually, he’s my husband.” No sarcasm. No lecture. Just truth. If she brushes it off or gets defensive, you can follow up privately: “I’ve noticed you keep calling him my friend. That hurts. We’re married, and I need you to honor that.” You don’t need her approval. But you do need to protect your dignity. And your husband’s. Because every time she erases your relationship, she’s sending a message, and it’s okay to send one back: “We’re here. We’re real. And we’re not going anywhere.” If she’s struggling with her own identity, that’s her journey. You can offer compassion, but you don’t have to shrink to make her comfortable. You’re not just more than a “friend.” You’re a spouse. A partner. A whole damn love story. And it’s time she learned to say it out loud. Uncle Gary