Max vs. Maxine
• Relationship Advice •
Issue No. 4

Q: I’ve been dating this guy for a while. I am a single mother and at some point, I should introduce my little daughter to him since she is very important to my life. Things are going well, but I am still wary to let them meet. When do you think a good time would be?
Max: Have you crossed "that point" in the relationship where you can introduce each other? Unless he loves kids and you guys are ready to get hitched, might not be a good idea to introduce each other. You don't want to get you daughter too attached to a stranger!

Maxine: Max has great points here. You should have a discussion with your significant other on whether he would be prepared to meet and have a relationship with your daughter beforehand. Be sure to voice your concerns if this is the “next step” to your relationship.

Q: Can you really have a long distance relationship? Or a relationship where one or both travel a lot? I'm starting to wonder if the only reason why we are still together is because the time we share when we are in the same place is "special" and not ordinary routine things.

Max: A relationship is what you want it to be. If you're ok with the travel mixed with the fireworks, then maybe this is for you. But if you want to settle down, have some kids, the dog and all that, then find a job and guy that don't involve airports, luggage and expense reports.

Maxine: It really depends on what direction you want to take the relationship. Relationships work because you want them to. Going along the lines of Max’s advice, you should probably try having a discussion with your significant other to get a better gauge of the relationship. Remember, life is what you make of it, so even the “ordinary routine” things can be “special.”

Q: I have been dating this girl for a while and things are going great. She has a lot of guy friends and likes to hang out with them as they all went to high school together. Sometimes when I see her happy with them I feel a little awkward that I am not able to share in their history. How do I control my own jealousy?

Maxine: Have you ever thought of getting to know her male friends better? In getting to know them genuinely as a friend, it may calm your jealously, and gain you a new friend! If that doesn’t help calm you, then voice your concerns with your girlfriend.

Max: I agree with Maxine. You can control your jealousy by getting to know her friends. Perhaps do something with them when she’s not around, build your own rapport with them. Although it is alarming that your girlfriend has a bunch of guy friends. Personally, I believe a woman who has more male friends means she either doesn’t trust other women or she can’t keep female friends for one reason or another.

Q: Recently, I was assigned to a new department that comprises mostly of attractive women! It seems that I am one of the only single, straight males there. Lately, two of my married colleagues have been playfully hinting to me that they would love to have an affair with me. I’m not dating anyone right now and I am so tempted! It’s not like I’m initiating the affair. Also, I don’t work with these female colleagues directly nor do they report to me. So it wouldn’t be considered sexual harassment, right?

Maxine:
1. What are your moral views on marriage?
2. How well do you really know these women?
3. Are you fully aware of sexual harassment laws, as they pertain to any and all colleagues no matter the corporate structure?
Your answers to these questions will help determine whether you should take these women up on their offers. Please be aware and prepared for the worse possible scenarios that may arise, such as the news leaking out to other workmates or even their husbands, or children for that matter. If you fully understand and are ready to take the risks and consequences in partaking in these affairs, then enjoy. Otherwise, I happen to think it would be far less complicated if you just found a single girl outside from work to have your sexual encounters with.

Max: Dude! Score! Although I am often reminded of the quote: “Don’t eat and sh*& in the same place.” While shagging the little hottie in the office sounds great, women do talk and you wouldn’t want to ruin your rep in the office, would you?