Reader dislikes home visitors, prefers public meetings

A reader has expressed difficulty in telling others that she dislikes having visitors in her home. She sees her home as a safe space and feels drained by outside energy. She finds it challenging to explain this to family and friends, who believe they have a right to visit simply because they are close. Instead of feeling defensive, she is advised to communicate her feelings clearly and assertively. Another reader questions whether it's okay to grieve the loss of her ex-husband, despite being happily married for 35 years. She worries that expressing her feelings might hurt her current spouse. The response reassures her that it is normal to feel sadness over such losses, and it’s important to acknowledge these feelings without fearing the future. A 25-year-old woman with a master's degree and a successful career struggles to find a partner who matches her level. She feels pressured to settle for less because others suggest her standards are too high. She is encouraged to adjust her expectations, as being overly specific might limit her chances of finding a compatible partner.