Dear Cousin Butchie,

I think we might know each other at school, but I'm not sure and I would rather write to you anyway.

My boyfriend has been doing some strange things lately and I'm very confused by what's going on.

For example, I went to kiss him a few days ago and he blurts out "Not until you shave that facial hair." This has never been a problem before. He has even told me how much he likes that scraggly look. The next day he picked me up for a date and told me that he wasn't going unless I changed my shirt because it looked just like his. In the past, there were always calls and texts from him during the day, and everything seemed cool. He has also cancelled two dates at the last minute, and this has never happened before.

What would you suggest?

Confused


Dear Confused,

Only you can judge what's happening between the two of you, but it will take a serious at the table conversation to both speak truthfully about what issues are threatening your relationship. Be willing to admit any shortcomings you have and tell him what's bothering you about his behavior.

Nothing really works with less success than a relationship in which there are petty remarks and some inner hostility. OR your boyfriend may have found someone else. It's a downer, but it happens. Have the talk and see what the real issues are. If you both agree to change a little, it will probably work out.

Good Luck!