Do you have a troublesome dilemma in your relationship or family? Is your neighbor a nightmare? Are your colleagues stifling your career?
Newsweek's "What Should I Do?" is here to help and we want to hear from you.
"What Should I Do?" is a free advice column to help readers get opinions from experts who can help you find the best way forward.
All you need to do is email your dilemma to life@newsweek.com. You can choose to remain anonymous. Our editors will be in touch to discuss your story.
We have answered over 100 dilemmas so far, ranging from relationship issues, to legal problems, to money troubles.
One of our readers, Cheryl, emailed with some distressing news. She was contacted by a 24-year-old man who claimed to be her husband's son. A DNA test confirmed the match—and she later found out that she knew the mother. She said it had left her with PTSD, destroyed the trust in her relationship, but that her family was begging her not to leave.
Dr. Chloe Carmichael Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and USA Today bestselling author, challenged the idea that Cheryl had to stay in the marriage "for her children." She said that Cheryl and her husband should consider couples therapy, but would not blame her for seeking a divorce.
On the legal side, divorce attorney Nicole Sodoma urged Cheryl to make sure she had considered what debts and assets might be in dispute in a divorce. She suggested a postnuptial agreement could help Cheryl find some security while she decided what to do in the relationship.
One anonymous reader revealed they had a "crush" on their boss and asked the experts if they should quit their job.
Emyli Lovz, a dating coach for men, came up with the unique strategy of "mega dating." This involves dating multiple partners in a short period of time, ideally 20 dates in 90 days, because it "allows you to refocus your energy so it's not so laser-focused on one woman."
Peter Lobl, a clinical psychologist specializing in relationship issues with adults and couples, said that if working alongside the boss had become too overwhelming, perhaps it was time to find a new job, at which point the reader might be able to share their feelings more openly.
Jackie, from Arkansas, emailed asking for advice on how to deal with her neighbors harassing her. She sued them for directing a high-intensity spotlight into her home for 584 days and nights. Jackie claimed the harassment only got worse after the lawsuit.
Andrew Zashin, a professor at the School of Law, Case Western Reserve University, and managing partner at the Zashin & Rich law firm, urged Jackie to document all incidents of harassment, no matter how big or small, to help strengthen her case if legal action becomes necessary.
Those were just three of the readers who wrote in. There was also Nikki, from Virginia, whose roommate wanted her felon boyfriend to move in with them. Lisa, from Arizona, found out her husband had slept with a prostitute, while Neil revealed that he was worried about giving his sister-in-law his mother's inheritance, and an anonymous writer from Central Louisiana wrote that her adult daughter had 'ghosted' her.
All of these readers received compassionate, practical guidance from our experts, helping them find the best way forward.
No dilemma is too big or small. Email us at life@newsweek.com, and we can help you get the advice you need.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Rebecca Nicholson is a Newsweek SEO Editor (Life), based in London, UK. Her focus is on Life Features and SEO ... Read more
