.Amy Alkon

I'm meeting my girlfriend's parents for the first time (for dinner at their house), and I'm absolutely terrified. Is there a way to win them over? Should I just compliment the hell out of their daughter? She's the first woman I've seriously thought about marrying, so I really want her parents to like me.

All of this creeps me out, but because she always does this when other relatives are around, and I'm new to the family, I don't feel I can snap at her or push her away. My wife alternates between being intimidated by her sister and feeling she has to protect her, and she refuses to say anything to her. She now seems to blame me for being offended! Do I keep trying to get through to my wife? Demand my sister-in-law explain her actions? Talk to her husband? Threaten to go to the police?

My ex just started dating a female friend of his. When we were together, I always worried about the chemistry I felt they had, and it hurts that they got together right after our breakup. Does this mean he's always had feelings for her? Does it cheapen our entire relationship?

I'm a gay man. I was in a relationship with my ex for about three years. We're on good terms and hang out as friends. He recently started dating a guy who looks like my long-lost twin (except he's got about 40 pounds on me). Our mutual friends find this creepy and weird, and I have to say, I do, too.

I'm a single woman. I'd love to get into a relationship. Often, when I'm at a bar, I see a guy I'd like to chat up, but I won't even approach because I don't know what to say. Are there some pickup lines men love to hear?

This guy recently moved into my apartment building, and we seem to have a spark. I'd like to go out with him. However, because we live in the same building, this might be a bad idea. If it goes badly, things could get really awkward or even horrible. Should I just try to forget about him?

I started seeing a guy whose previous relationship ended because he cheated. He insists he really learned his lesson and would never do it again. Should I trust him, or should I go by that line, 'once a cheater, always a cheater'?

My 22-year-old son's new girlfriend is extremely pretty. She has a great figure and dresses to show it off, so I understand the attraction. However, she's also spoiled, lazy and kind of a scam artist. (She bragged about cheating a small business.) I pointed out her shortcomings to my son, but he refused to listen and even defended her. Can I get him to end it without being the overbearing mother?