Dear Queenie,

I have a “pen pal” who is in prison and we are getting to be very fond of each other. He still has several more year to go before he gets out so nothing is going to happen any time soon but I have started wondering what will happen when his sentence is up.

Queenie, am I making a mistake? And when he gets out, what do I tell my family and friends about him?—Prisoner’s pen pal

Dear Pen pal,

Are you making a mistake? I cannot tell, and neither can you, without knowing more about this man. And do not depend entirely on what he tells you about himself. Prison inmates have been known to be less than honest about themselves, their crimes and their general background.

You should at the very least make sure to verify everything he tells you by checking with the prison authorities and anyone else to whom they can refer you.

As for your family and friends, assuming you are still involved with this man when he gets out of prison, tell them the truth. This is a small island and they are sure to find out, if they do not already know who and what he is.

Dear Queenie,

A friend of mine has no problem having men ask her for first dates but they never seem to want to see her again.

She keeps asking me what is wrong with men, but the problem is really with her, but she won’t listen when I try to make her some suggestions, like not talking so much and listening when they have something to say.

According to her it’s always the guy’s fault and never anything to do with her.

Queenie, how can I make her understand?—Worried friend

Dear Friend,

As the saying goes, “There are none so blind (or deaf) as those who will not see (or hear).” Your friend is not really open to advice, she just wants you to agree and sympathise with her. You can keep trying, for all the good it probably will (not) do.

Does she read my column? Maybe if she sees this one she will get the message (but do not hold your breath waiting for that to happen).

Dear Queenie,

I am a vegan and I am raising my children the same way. I have discussed their diet with their paediatrician and we make sure they are eating a balanced diet and getting all the necessary nutrients for their health.

My problem is all the people who criticize how I feed my children and tell me I am endangering their health when I know I am not.

Queenie, how can I get these busybodies off my back?—Harassed Mother

Dear Mother,

Just ask them if they are medical doctors. Then tell them your paediatrician has approved your children’s diet and refer them to him (or her) if they have anything further to say.

Dear Queenie,

There is a boy in my class who is always saying insulting things about my family. He calls them “stupid” and “losers” and other mean things. I have told him not to say such things to me but he still does it.

Queenie, he makes me so mad. How can I get him to stop?—Offended

Dear Offended,

This boy is a bully, but there is not much you can do except ignore him and not let him know how much he is bothering you. Hopefully, if you do not react to his bullying he will quit and look for another victim.

However, you also might want to speak to your teacher and/or school counsellor about his behaviour. Someone in authority should make him understand how unacceptable his behaviour is.