I feel like I’m wrapped in my own shell

I feel like I'm wrapped in my own shell How can I open this shell?
I feel like I’m wrapped in my own shell How can I open this shell?

It can be as simple as saying hi to someone, or even smiling at someone walking by. Answering honestly or with more than the most brief answer can be another way as well. Most importantly, know people are interested in getting to know you (I certainly am!).

Why am I still single?

There’s no perfect answer to this question, but I hope you know that being single doesn’t mean there’s anything missing from your life or anything wrong with you. Try and appreciate your independence for the opportunities it allows you to learn more about yourself–your values, what makes you happy, and what you hope to find in a partner one day. When the right one comes along, you might be grateful for the time you had to get to know yourself.

My GF cheated on me.

My GF cheated on me. She seems remorseful. I forgive her, but I'm not sure I could ever fully trust her again. Should I give her another chance?
My GF cheated on me. She seems remorseful. I forgive her, but I’m not sure I could ever fully trust her again. Should I give her another chance?

I’m in general in favor of second chances, but in this case it’s much more complicated. You have your finger on the issue, trust. You can’t have a lasting relationship without it. Our collection is a little more oriented toward helping future therapists learn how to help couples with this, but it might help you to look at a few things from this list at Boston Public Library: https://bit.ly/bc-infidelity. Because you’re at BC you’re eligible for a library card there, but you can also use our interlibrary loan service to request copies of what you want. My condolences, that is the hardest thing. And good luck to you as well.

When am I ready for a relationship?

When am I ready for a relationship?
When am I ready for a relationship?

You don’t have to achieve a state of perfection – people continue to grow throughout life. If you are willing to be open and keep the other person’s best interests in mind, you are ready. But maybe take things slow if you are unsure.

Please write a poem on a healthy romantic relationship?

Please write a poem on a healthy romantic relationship?
Please write a poem on a healthy romantic relationship?

I am not a poet, however many others who are have written poems you might like. Take a look at Seamus Heaney’s “Scaffolding,” Joy Harjo’s “For Keeps,” and Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “How Do I Love Thee?” And maybe, if none of these are quite what you want, you could write the poem you’re hoping for.

I feel really guilty going here knowing it’s costing my family so much.

I feel really guilty going here knowing it's costing my family so much. What do you recommend I do?
I feel really guilty going here knowing it’s costing my family so much. What do you recommend I do?

Oh, I hope you can lose the guilt. I expect your family is so proud to have you at BC. It is just a brief moment in time; you have a lifetime of opportunities ahead to give back and pay it forward; to your family who has supported you, to your own kids if you have them, and to the larger world.

Chisme time… I caught my BF in bed with his best friend!!

Chisme time... I caught my BF in bed with his best friend!! They have been homies since middle school. What should I do?
Chisme time… I caught my BF in bed with his best friend!! They have been homies since middle school. What should I do?

Don’t be chismosa! Even though it must have been a huge shock, this is something you need to work out with your BF between the two of you.

Any relation or ...
Any relation or …? <---->

Right?!? It’s wild to imagine that kind of drama unfolding right here. But it could also be evidence that there’s a whole lot of exploration going on. I hope people are able to be emotionally honest with themselves and others and avoid hurting each other unnecessarily.

I think I fell in love w/ my best friend but he has a gf. I’m a guy btw.

I think I fell in love w/ my best friend but he has a gf. I'm a guy btw.
I think I fell in love w/ my best friend but he has a gf. I’m a guy btw.

I think that falling for your straight best friend is basically a queer rite of passage. I’m sorry you’re currently in the middle of it, but it will pass and someday it’ll probably be a funny anecdote you tell.

Any relation or ...
Any relation or …? <---->

Right?!? It’s wild to imagine that kind of drama unfolding right here. But it could also be evidence that there’s a whole lot of exploration going on. I hope people are able to be emotionally honest with themselves and others and avoid hurting each other unnecessarily.