I've declined dozens of social invitations from old friends and college classmates over the years because my introverted husband adamantly did not want to go to a big, loud event full of "utter strangers" — i.e, people I knew who didn't know him. In some cases, I'm glad I had the excuse, but in others, our failure to appear cost me a friendship I now wish I'd nurtured. But for a long time the choice seemed to be between dragging my husband and listening to 48 hours of his complaints or not going.

Recently, I realized I could get on a plane or train and go to the events by myself. I just say my husband has a business or volunteer commitment. I've had a fabulous time at several of these parties—the LW might want to give that a try. These events can be a bit nerve-wracking, but are much easier if you aren't trying to placate a bored-to-tears spouse.

What Jan wants is to be the center of attention. Her ability to ruin everyone else's evening by phoning them and expecting them to drop everything to come take responsibility for her bad judgment is the key element in this story.

In my experience, people like this rarely stop the "pay attention to me" behavior until they hit bottom. And for an attractive young woman, this could take many years (and many friends, and many destroyed relationships). I know she's a childhood friend, LW, but do you plan to drop everything to rescue her during your honeymoon? When you're up late with your newborn? Trust me, she'll call especially then to punish you for daring to think that something (your spouse, your child, your life) could possibly be more important than HER self-orchestrated train wreck.

Walk away now. And see a therapist so you'll feel sad, but not guilty, when you do it.

I can identify with this writer...stressful things go on around me, and I deal appropriately, but I don't really feel them.

My husband has a myriad of health problems, including serious weight difficulties, and I think "he needs to deal with that" and provide what help I can. But I don't get upset and worry about him. I think "well, they are his problem."

The letter writer didn't talk about how others feel about him. Most people enjoy me enormously and seek out my friendship. But my husband, and a few others close to me, are clearly annoyed with me. They try to push my buttons because they equate their ability to upset me with how much I love them. And, in a sense, they may be right.

I find it much easier to be passionate about creative projects than about people (which may be why I'm successful in those, like the letter writer). I think this takes a toll on those around us. His wife may be drinking in an attempt to get him to show that he cares. I think his asking her about her drinking is a great idea, particularly if he tells her he's asking because he loves her.

At our local caucus, I came out for Clinton and my husband for Obama. There were more Obama supporters than Clinton supporters at the community meeting, and I heard for the next several hours from my husband all about how I was backing a "loser." For the next several days, he bombarded me with emailed articles about how great Obama is and how crummy Clinton is. Every time Clinton did poorly in the polls, he laughed at me! When Clinton made the unexpected comeback in Pennsylvania, he reacted as if he'd been shot--he literally went pale, and refused to talk about it, except to say that she didn't have a chance and ought to drop out of the race, immediately.

My husband is a professional, has worked for several years for a woman he likes, and has worked for a female CEO, and has never said anything negative about them. Oddly, he and I were both (Bill) Clinton supporters. I just can't figure out where this "I hate Hillary" thing came from. But the intensity of it is...weird and troubling.

This story would have been amusing five years ago, but now there are dozens and dozens of stunning, sexy bras up to J cup available from stores, catalogs and websites such as Nordstrom, Fig Leaves, Her Room, and Bravissimo (brands include Wacoal, Fantasie, Freya, and Glamorise). This is just lazy, self-centered writing. Most current Wacoal bras are sleek, lacy and cute, so no idea what she was trying on.

I'd rather appear in Salon with my 34DD ta-tas exposed than reveal to the site's readers such droopy journalism.

The experience of being beautiful is still there; just a few rules have changed.

First of all, the vast majority of men are still attracted to women their own age -- and, while graying guys might fantasize about 20-somethings, they still want to flirt with women their own age -- women who, frankly, won't be critical of signs of male aging!

And, no, teenage boys and younger men aren't going to find you attractive. Sorry, that's over.

What you will find rather amazing is this: While in their 20s and 30s women are judged beautiful based on their innate looks and cosmetic enhancements, in their 50s and beyond women are judged attractive based on their fitness (fit women appear very youthful, even in their 60s) and personality.

Flabby and crabby is the new ugly -- and even very thin, artificially enhanced bodies can look flabby. And crabby...well, you don't want to go there.