Complimentary Edition Volume 1 Complimentary Edition Volume 1 | Page 20

dearGABBY

Dear Gabby gives advice on relationships . Want to visit an old chapter , or write a new one ! It ’ s your story , your book , let ’ s talk relations ( hips )! Gabby will answer your questions about dating , marriage , friends with benefits , or a simple crush . Gabby ’ s advice is fresh , informative and thought provoking . Please put Q & A in the subject bar and subscribe to The Soultown to see your questions along with the my advice . Random writers will be chosen based upon scenario and comprehension , and be as detailed as possible . Your secret is safe with me , Gabby … and the rest of the readers .
Dear Gabby , My wife makes more money than I , should I still feel like the man of the house ? ~ Losing Masculinity
Dear Losing Masculinity , There is a short answer to this question and a long one . Short answer : There is no need to feel less than a man as long as you are fulfilling her needs . However , you must know her needs . Watch for cues , especially if your wife is the quiet type . Long answer : Traditionally a man is responsible for taking care of the finances , while the woman takes care of the home . Times have changed , but don ’ t let that stop you from being a man . Hustle ! Get a part-time job if it ’ s really bothering you , but find balance . Open the lines of communication and share your insecurities about your income and if you can , compensate in other ways . We are all about the cuddling , foot massages and backrubs . These can be priceless !
Either way , relationships are not solely about money . You may not have all the money in the world , but you must have more than just lint in your pocket if you want to keep her .
~ Gabby
Dear Gabby , How long should you date before courtship ? How long should courtship last before engagement ?
~ Mr . Time Management
Dear Mr . Time Management ,
Let ’ s define the difference between dating and courting . Dating is hanging out and getting to know a person . Courting is when the relationship is serious . It ’ s time to meet the family , time to grow together spiritually , learn about pet peeves , passions and planning a future together . Regarding length of time for both , just go with the flow . Don ’ t rush , after all marriage is suppose to be forever . Getting to know a person can take a lifetime . You will find out new things every day which makes for an exciting relationship . Six months is good for dating , as long the two are exclusive and the other six months are perfect for courting . That sums up the year . 365 days is enough time for anyone to decide . Any more time , and both parties are probably undecided about forever .
Give the engagement an additional year . Give your fiance her dream weddings and plan together . Once the engagement happens , the saving does too . In a nutshell , two years is all the time you need to turn a miss into the Mrs . Remember if you snooze , you will lose ! Don ’ t be that guy .
~ Gabby
Gabrielle Shirley is a Slam Poet and Spoken Word Artist from Chicago , IL . She is one of the founding member ’ s of SaYes2Poetry who landed a position as an Advice Columnist for The Soultown after dominating the Oakland , CA poetry circuit with her provocative , opinionated poetry pieces . In 2012 , she coached San Jose ’ s Youth Poetry Team Brave New Voices Competition in Berkeley , CA and Chicago , Il . She is working on her first novel and now resides in Atlanta , Georgia .
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