Dear Lindy,

My five-year-old son will not go to sleep unless I read him a story and lie down in bed with him afterwards.  I enjoy reading to him but this can take up the entire evening, as he does not fall asleep right away after I lie down with him and he does not want me to leave him while he is awake.  Since I would like to spend some time with my husband and need some time for myself, please let me know how to handle this. Beverly

Dear Beverly,

Before you read your son a story, tell him that you are very happy that it is bedtime because you love reading to him.  Explain that you can lie down with him for awhile after reading and that after you leave his room you will be still be home and there for him should he need you.  If that does not satisfy him, say that you have things to do and will be checking in on him later on. Kiss him good night, tell him that you love him and will see him when he wakes up in the morning.

Dear Lindy,

I moved to a new town and over a few years became friendly with a woman named Sally.  I invited her to my home several times with her husband when my husband and I had parties but our invitations were never returned.  She has also mentioned while in our company that she has had dinner parties at her home. Another time I asked them to join us for a concert. Sally said that they could not go because of conflicting plans on the same date.  Several weeks later she told me they went to that very same concert. When I told her that I originally asked her if they would go with us, she brushed off the matter suggesting some kind of confusion but I felt hurt.  Since I was the one who always initiated getting together, I stopped doing so. Sally has suddenly begun to call, send me emails and ask about getting together but I have not responded. I am not sure that I want to continue the friendship at this point, feel uncomfortable when she contacts me, but do not know how to handle this situation. Sandy

Dear Sandy,