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Ending an Engagement:  Break Slowly or Snap Suddenly?

Ending an Engagement: Break Slowly or Snap Suddenly?

Dear Erica, I’ve gotten engaged to my boyfriend of nearly five years, but after just a few short weeks, I’ve decided I can’t go through with it. How can I end it as nicely as possibly? Do I tell him I...

Dreading a visit from some old friends?   Heed Elizabeth von Arnim's wise words and you might just have a fabulous time!

Dreading a visit from some old friends? Heed Elizabeth von Arnim's wise words and you might just have a fabulous time!

Dear Erica, I’m having some old friends to stay next weekend, and although I adore them, I’m rather dreading it. I just don't want us to get on each other's nerves. Do you have any advice? Nervous in ...

What would Jane Austen say about your brilliant friend's less than brilliant fiance?

What would Jane Austen say about your brilliant friend's less than brilliant fiance?

Dear Erica, My best friend just got engaged and I don’t know what to do. Her fiance is nice enough, and he treats her well, but I just don’t think he’s good enough for her. I don’t mean to be a snob, ...

Seventeen and never been kissed - What's the real problem according to Jane Austen's Emma and Clueless's Cher?

Seventeen and never been kissed - What's the real problem according to Jane Austen's Emma and Clueless's Cher?

Dear Erica, I am concerned about my younger cousin. She is seventeen years old, and has yet to be kissed! She is very pretty and smart, and I am unsure what the problem may be. My only clue is that wh...

Motherhood and Middlemarch: The trials of baby bathtime

Motherhood and Middlemarch: The trials of baby bathtime

Dear Erica, I just had a baby, and he is the most beautiful, adorable baby boy in the whole world(not biased at all of course!) My sister is now visiting and meeting him for the first time. Although I...