Dear Dana is a bi-weekly advice column for humans who engage in romantic relationships. Please send your dilemmas, issues, conundrums, assumptions, conflicts, anxieties, worriments, obstacles, complications, predicaments, queries, questions, and any other synonyms for “problems” to deardana@rolereboot.org. Dear Dana, I’m supposed to be a bridesmaid in my friend’s wedding in a few weeks but I don’t […]
What’s the point of being intimate with someone if you’re just going to check out? Over the last decade, I’ve surrendered to some humbling realizations. I almost can’t believe that I am now living a fulfilling life with a beautiful family that I helped create. But I am. Before this time in my life, though, […]
A deep sadness began to wash over me as I realized that America was opting for a man endorsed by the KKK after electing its first black president. I wanted nothing more than to wash away our collective sins in the warm golden glow that only alcohol could provide. It had been 10 days since […]
I don’t want to be one of those women who thinks that wine soothes the strain of parenting, that a cocktail with an umbrella makes a vacation, that girls’ nights or date nights run smoother with a glass in your hand. The first step isn’t to admit I have a problem. I don’t. Before I […]
My alcoholic past is my biggest flaw and insecurity. It’s unfair that I have to reveal it so early. Other shortcomings are easier to hide, at least for a while. Nora was oppressively sexy. She was so beautiful that I imagine if she walked into a Verizon store, her smile would compel any employee to […]
Every night out began with an interrogation: Was I having a good time? How was that even possible? Did I think I was better than her because I didn’t drink? Sober people are the worst. They don’t understand pleasure. They are afraid of experimenting, afraid of hurting themselves, and afraid of having a good time. Sober […]
