close

Maryjopodgurski

Getting ready to ‘adult’

Q.I’m getting ready for the biggest change in my life so far. Is it normal to be frightened? I graduate college in December.The reality that this is my last semester of college is both exhilarating and terrifying. Many of my friends are going on to grad school.I may end up with an advanced ...

Teach for the culture that exists

Last week’s topic of nude pics generated interesting comments.Q:When our high school daughter was involved in sending a nude pic, I connected with you. I’m very grateful for your empathic, measured response. After sessions with you, she started talking with me more. She’s now in college, ...

Request for nudes was sexual harassment

Q.This boy sent me a request for a nude. I told him no. Then he got all mean and told me I was only good for sex. Except he used a word I’m not allowed to say. I got scared and told my mom, and she helped me block him on Instagram. I don’t understand. I don’t do things like that. Why ...

Some tips on handling fireworks safely

Q.I’m a grandpa to two great teen boys, ages 14 and 16. I try to stay out of my son’s parenting, but I’m worried. When I was a teen, a few of my buddies and I got hold of fireworks and set them off. Badly. One of my friends lost a finger. It could have been a lot worse. My son says I’m ...

Not everyone welcomes physical contact

Q:I kissed someone for the first time. It was icky. I thought it was supposed to be amazing, like in the movies. All I felt was weird. And, it was sloppy. I didn’t even like the hug after the kiss. All my friends are doing things a lot bigger than just a kiss or a hug. They talk about sexual ...

<strong>Q.</strong>I had you for sex-ed in high school and your class was the best I’ve ever had! My family moved after I graduated. I have two siblings – one in middle school and one in high school. Their school has no sex-ed at all, so I try to teach them. ...