E-Mail This Article to a Friend Shooting off

Dear Dr. Lovemonkey,

My boyfriend, who I live with, has recently become interested in owning a gun. He doesn’t come from a family where anyone has guns, didn’t grow up on a farm, and we currently live in a city. When I’ve talked to him about this, and told him that I don’t want a gun around the house, he acknowledges he doesn’t really want it for protection — just to learn how to use one. He seems to be determined to do this, and I am against it. What else can I do?

— Not Into Weapons

Dear NIW,

If his prime interest is learning how to use a gun, perhaps you can ask him to join a shooting range, and keep the gun there, not in your home. You have already voiced your concern and opposition to having a gun in the house. He should be willing to keep it at a shooting range or club.

Dear Dr. Lovemonkey,

During the recent series between the Red Sox and the Yankees for the American League championship, I went to a friend’s house to watch a few of the games. My friend is a Yankee fan, as were most of the other people there. When the national anthem was played, these guys all got up and put their hands over their hearts. I didn’t do likewise the first night, but got a lot of dirty looks from the others, so I followed suit the next time. Do you think it’s necessary to stand for the national anthem when you’re watching a sporting event at home on television?

— Inquiring Mind

Dear Inquiring,

No.

Dear Dr. Lovemonkey,

Friends have invited my husband and me over for dinner at their home. The dinner is scheduled for 7 p.m. The problem is that my husband is usually famished when he arrives home from work at six. He doesn’t think he can hold out for the dinner, but at the same time, it would seem rude to call our friends and ask that they prepare dinner an hour earlier. Got any suggestions?

— L.P.

Dear L.P.,

They have these things called sandwiches. I’ve also heard of other exotic food stuffs such as "crackers and cheese" and salads. Perhaps your husband could scarf down a snack before arriving for dinner.

Dear Dr. Lovemonkey,

I met a guy the other evening at a bar and I really thought he was great. He’s very smart, good-looking, and we had a really good time together. We exchanged phone numbers, and although he hasn’t called me yet (it has only been a couple of days), I think he will. Now, though, I’m having second thoughts, because at least two of my friends informed me that this guy is a really big-time drug dealer. Since the bar we were in is somewhat known for drug activity, it makes sense. My friends don’t actually know this guy, but they say they know him by reputation. If he is a drug dealer, I don’t want to see him, but if he isn’t, I’m really interested. Have you any suggestions on how to handle this situation?

— Smitten But Cautious

Dear Smitten,

It sounds likely that this guy is engaged in the livelihood described by your friends. If he calls, just say you’re really busy and don’t have the time to spend with him. Either that or go out with him, steal all his drugs when he’s not looking, sell them yourself, and go on a long vacation to the Bahamas. On second thought, stick with my first suggestion.

Send questions and romantic quandaries to RUDYCHEEKS@prodigy.net.