Ask Alecia

By Alecia Rice Q: This spring, my adult son is moving home after graduating college out of state. Many things have changed in both of our lives. Is there anything I should consider in advance? — Second Time Around

 A: Dear Second Time Around, I haven’t found a good word …

By Alecia Rice Q: My girlfriend always seems disappointed on Valentine’s Day. I can’t seem to do anything right which makes me feel like a failure. How do I change this dynamic?  — Bittersweet Boyfriend
 A: Dear Bittersweet Boyfriend, Let’s be honest. Corporations and advertisers have artificially manufactured this holiday …

by Alecia Rice Q: I’m a teenager whose mom thinks it’s rude for me not to want to hug family at gatherings. It makes me uncomfortable to hug certain people, and I think I should be able to choose for myself. What do you think? — Rude Teen A: Dear …

By Alecia Rice Q: I’d like to host a party during the holidays, but I hesitate because I’d like it to be a specific size with a specific ambiance. I don’t want to offend anyone, but I’m afraid I will if I don’t invite certain people which then creates a …

By Alecia Rice Q: I’ve been seeing a woman to whom I’m very attracted, but she’s fearful about getting into a relationship after her husband cheated on her years ago. I’d like to get more involved, but I’m wondering if I’m wasting my time. Do you have any advice?  — …

By Alicia Rice Q: I’m a 30-something woman who is reluctant to get my nose pierced because my mother has such strong, negative views on it. It’s ridiculous, but I don’t want her to be angry. Thoughts? — Mama’s Girl A: Dear Mama’s Girl, If you’re still basing decisions such …

By Alecia Rice – Q: My best friend and I got into a huge argument while texting about something mundane. Now she’s not talking to me, which makes me confused and sad because I didn’t say anything wrong. What should I do?  ­— Sore Thumbs A: Dear Sore Thumbs, Unfortunately, …

Alecia Rice – Q: You often talk about inner peace. How do you define and nurture it?  — Peace-seeker A: Dear Peace-seeker, Someone once said, “Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm.” Cultivating inner peace doesn’t allow us to bypass the storms of life. It …

by Alecia Rice – Q: My partner often disappoints me and I feel disheartened. He’s a good man but maybe not for me. I’m not sure what to think. — Disheartened A: Dear Disheartened, Happiness is created within. Yet, that philosophy doesn’t necessarily change things quickly. Sometimes we need to …

By Alecia Rice   Q. Our friend will be our houseguest for several days. We look forward to her arrival, yet in the past, some houseguest visits didn’t go so well. What can we do to make her stay comfortable for everyone? — Anxious Hosts A. Dear Anxious Hosts, If …