Q: I am having trouble trusting people. Every guy I have ever dated has either cheated on me or lied to me.  My close friends act a certain way, and then in front of other people are completely different people. I just feel that everyone I meet is a fake liar, and I have no idea how to stop feeling this way. What should I do?

A: It is natural to feel the way you do with the experiences that you have had. The reason why you feel the way you do when you meet people is a survival mechanism to protect yourself. My best advice to you is try and give people chances, just do not give 100% of yourself until they have earned it. Beware of the worst in people, but try and focus more on the positive.

Q: My mom is taking over my life! She goes through my cell phone and checks my text messages, goes through my computer and reads all my instant messenger conversations, and on top of all that still doesn’t trust me! I am a really good girl, but she doubts me so much that it’s killing me. HELP!

A: I am sorry that this is what it has come down to, but you need to understand your mother’s concern.  My advice to you is to have a nice little chat with her and tell her all of your concerns. Explain to her very calmly and rationally that your privacy is very valuable to you. If that doesn’t work try and compromise, take an hour or so every night to tell her what is going on in your life. Communication is the key, the more you communicate, the more your mother will learn to trust you.

Q: I just started University, and I am having trouble making new friends. I have always had friends my whole life, so this transition is really hard for me, especially now that my best friends are so far away.  What do you recommend that I do?

A: The transition to University can be quite challenging. Not only do you need to adapt to a new environment, but also to new people. I would suggest joining a couple of campus organizations/clubs. Not only is it a great way to meet fellow students, but it is also a great way to meet people with the same interests as you. Try and involve yourself with the campus life, and you will soon find many friends. What you are going through is very normal, hang in there!

Q:I am from Israel and I have a Palestinian boyfriend, but both our families are against our marriage. Is it right for us to keep pursuing marriage or should we abandon our love to satisfy our parents?

A: If you pursue it and your parents forbid it, they will disown you, or you pursue it and they eventually get over it. Another option, don't pursue it and move on. Discuss converting religions. It can break the barrier between your parents and him. My suggestion to you is to sit down and have a conversation with your parents. Try to get both families together for dinner in public. Try to get your points across. Best of luck!

Q: We have been living in America for a few years. I have a 17-year-old sister. I think she is having sex with an African-American man. She will not marry this man and I do not know what to do because if our parents find out they will kick her out onto the street since they will feel she has dishonored our family. I love my sister, but at the same time I am upset at how she has abandoned her culture. What should I do?

A:I noticed that you THINK they are having sex. Talk to her about her relationship and ask if she is having sex. If yes, talk to her about safe sex. At age 17, girls think that they know everything, so you need to be as calm and friendly as possible. This is a very difficult situation for you and your sister. Remind her of what is right and wrong in your culture. Talk to her about valuing herself and her body. I wish you the best of luck!

Q: There is this girl that likes me, and I am not sure if I like her back. She is a really great person. Yet, for some reason I am not attracted to her. Sometimes we have a great time, and sometimes I cannot stand her. She has all the qualities that I look for in a wife, yet I am not ready to settle down at all. Should I keep her on the side until I know I am ready? Or should I just tell her to move on?

A: Without attraction I would say that it is a lost cause. I don’t think it is neither fair to keep her on the side, nor is it fair to you. It will then become a headache thinking of excuses. My advice: sit down and talk with her very maturely; tell her how you feel. It will help her move on and give you closure. If she really likes you she might become hurt and become emotional, but you need to understand that she will move on eventually.

Q: I am a 23-year-old living with just my mom. I am basically the man of the house. Sometimes, I want to go out and have fun with my friends, but every time 1:00 AM comes around, my mom begins calling and nagging me to come home. I have no idea how to make her understand that I am no longer a kid and can take care of myself and make my own decisions. What should I do?

A:You and your mom are the only ones in the household. She is overprotective of you because she loves you. Try calling your mother before she calls you and tell her that you will be running late. Keep her informed of what your plans are. The more your mom knows of what you are doing, who you are with, and what time you will be coming home, the calmer your mother will be. Talk with your mom; it will ease the situation.