"Ive been spending much too much time on the computer lately, and it's creating a problem...

Dear Gabby,

I've been spending much too much time on the computer lately and it's creating a problem...okay, MANY problems.

Although I love the blogging world, time spent writing for my own blog, commenting to my readers, checking out their sites & commenting there, checking out new sites & commenting there has me on the computer instead of taking care of business in my real world!

I have been avoiding housework, hardly cooking, not spending enough time with wonderful hubby and hardly even venturing outside to be with other people that I love.

Would you call this an addiction?

I need your help.

Sincerely,

Glued to the screen







Dear Glued,

Because I am a fictional character created in the brilliant mind of a blog addict, I'm afraid to delve too deeply here in fear of getting the ax, however, I took this Hippocratic oath when I received my imaginary license to practice counseling online, and being the responsible imaginary person that I am, I do feel that I must at least lightly address the issue.

As with any hobby, it can easily become addictive in nature.

People golf for hours on end and spend a great deal of money to be able to do this.
Some ladies find that shopping is great stress relief and will obsessively make purchases with no regard to their budgets.

I find that although blogging is a great thing, it can also wind up costing you more than you bargained for.

Besides the obvious (carpal tunnel), it is never a good idea to isolate your self from the out side world, or those living within your own home. Neglecting household responsibilities could end up with you being the recipient of a visit from your local health department.

I've heard tale of people leaving Christmas trees up well into the month of January, burning supper (IF they actually remembered to MAKE supper), pretending to listen to their spouse share his deepest secrets while eyes were glancing at the inbox of the email.

You know it's a problem if, while sitting in your church service under FANTASTIC teaching, you find your self taking notes....for a new post idea!
(I've only HEARD of these things happening...not that I know of any one person who has been guilty of any of these things!)

If you fall into any of these categories, I would suggest taking a breather.

Limit yourself to blogging time only when no humans are in your presence, or for allotted times only, if you're never alone. (One hour human time, 30 minutes computer time- for starters.)
DO NOT CHECK EMAILS and text or twitter people when others are talking to you in person. IT IS RUDE!

It's never a good idea to trade relationships with those you love for ANY obsession-life is too short and it will leave you with regrets.

Ask those around you, what they think.

I would also love to hear from bloggers, how they manage their computer relationships with their peeps sharing their home with them.

What is the best form of discipline?

Dear Gabby,

What do you think is the best form of discipline for a child who continually misbehaves?

I have tried everything!

I am desperate for answers.

Please help.

Desperate in Nantucket







Dear Desperate,

Depending on the severity of the "offense" of course, I would first suggest a verbal warning.

If that doesn't work, remind them of the verbal warning and then introduce them to the punishment.(i.e."Time Out Corner")

If that doesn't work, enforce the punishment.

I would suggest checking out a brilliant post written by someone who had to deal with some "undesirable behavior". It seemed to work. At least temporarily.

Good luck.

Gabby

I need valentine gift ideas!

Dear Gabby,

I have a wonderful wife who is deserving of SO much. Much more than I can afford.

SO I thought that rather than spend money on a gift that is NOT going to last and wouldn't show my true affection for her, I thought that buying US a Harley to enjoy together would truly show her how I felt (even though she doesn't want us to have one).

We could take romantic rides together. Shop for leather duds together. Shine and clean on it obsessively together. Listen to "BORN TO BE WILD" together.

I value your opinion. What do you think?


Love Struck





Dear Love Struck?

Just who or WHAT do you really love here?

And I think you're right.
The gift of a Harley on Valentine's Day to a wife that doesn't want one would truly be showing her how you feel.

A few feelings/words that came to my mind were: Selfish. Ignorant. Out of touch.


I'd be careful here. She sounds like a fantastic woman and you wouldn't want to mess things up.

My gift ideas?
Chocolate. A gift certificate for a massage. A nice candlelit dinner. A weekend at a bed and breakfast. A new outfit and a large diamond. THEN ask if she wants a Harley.