Dear Justine,

Help!!!  I have a new boyfriend and this is our first Christmas together.  I don’t have any idea what to give him.  I don’t have a lot of money but I still want to give him something. Any suggestions?

Signed,

Wnt to be a good elf( smile)

 Dear Good Elf,

 Your question is going to help a lot of sisters out there struggling with this same question.  Here are my quick ten inexpensive picks:

Gift certificate  for six months of free car detailing
Five free haircuts at his barber
Football/baseball/basketball tickets
Year subscription to his favorite magazine
A picture of you, not club shots
A new piece of sport equipment (such as new basketball ~whatever sport he participate in)
Collection of old DVD movies that are his favorite
Emergency car care kit (know like jumper cables, flares and other stuff)
Romantic over stay at local hotel (such Chez Your House) J
New cologne (that you like…) 

Just a few safe suggestions !  Don’t spend too much money ! Your feelings might get hurt if he doesn’t spend the same on you.

 Remember this is the season of telling , being with and loving your family not the amount of a gift!

 Always remember that no one told you today they love you I do!

Love,

Justine

 


Dear Just,

My mother-in-law HATES ME!!!

I have only been married six months and it is hell!!  She calls my husband all times of night and asks him to come over to help her.  Granted she has a several other sons and husband.  Why won’t she let us alone?  She has gone as far as to say I am not invited into her home.  It is truly placing a rift between my husband and I.  I don’t know what I did and my husband said don’t worry about it but I do. I will admit that I am ten years older than my husband he is 30 and I am 40.  Age shouldn’t have anything to do with it but I feel that is the issue.

What do I do?

Signed,

Married and living unhappily after

Dear Married and living unhappily after,

WOW, now is the time to woman up and go to her.  Ask her what is the problem, what have you done and how can you and her mend the rift. Something occurred and it was not addressed!  Once, you have tried to open the lines of communication no one can not say you did try. 

Please don’t get into blame game and pit yourself against your mother-in-law.  Remember that is his mother and he is going to love her unconditionally.  On the flip side he should go to his mother and ask her what the problem is.  He should tell her that you are his choice and she should honor and respect you and his marriage.

If it doesn’t work out so be it and be happy!!  Always acknowledge those special holidays and include her in your activities even she doesn’t do to you. 

Remember if no one told you today they love you I do.

Always,

Justine