Body & Soul

Stacy Notaras Murphy • October 24, 2013

DEAR STACY:

My relationship with my daughter-in-law is very difficult. She lost her own mother at a young age and never really warmed up to me. I went into their marriage (7 years ago) fully aware that there’s a cliché about the mother-in-law being hard to handle, and because of that, I have worked quite hard not to be too presumptuous about our relationship. The current issue is that she does not let me see the grandkids unless I plan several weeks in advance. We live in the same town and there is no “stopping by” just to say hello. I am never invited to their sporting events and when I show up, she acts coldly toward me. This behavior makes no sense to me and I have no idea how to move forward. My son stays out of it, even when I asked him specifically why I have to ask permission so far in advance to spend time with my own family. I think he scared of her too. What can I do?

– Mother-in-Law

DEAR MIL,

I truly appreciate how hard you are working to keep in mind those MIL clichés. But one thing to be mindful of is that DIL has her own, very personal view of this. You may be onto something regarding the loss of her own mother, but try not to psychoanalyze too much. The story I’m telling myself about this (and let’s be honest, we all tell stories to ourselves about why others do the things they do) is that she has worked out a solution to calm any anxiety she has about being watched by you as a mother. The advanced scheduling approach may be a coping mechanism for something that has nothing to do with you, although you may be the trigger. If it works for her, can’t it also work for you? I understand that you are hurt. But at the end of the day, if you really want to see your grandkids, she has given you a method. My advice? Respect her boundaries and follow the guidelines to get on her calendar early and often – and be enthusiastic when you do.

Claire Sanders Swift •

When the government was shut down earlier this month, George at the Four Seasons Salon keep clipping along with its art of making political and media types and other influencers look great.

With our economy in a meltdown during late 2008, I first wrote about this very special place in the heart of Georgetown that is a media sanctuary for so many, regardless of what’s going on in the world. For decades, George Salon has been home to hairdressing for dignitaries, media magnates and regular folks looking for a quality cut, blow dry, manicure or pedicure. At the Four Season’s Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue at Georgetown’s eastern gateway, it’s a glamorous place people continue to flock to make themselves beautiful. I met my husband the night I got my hair done there in 2004, and I was hooked.

With George Ozturk still at the helm, famed hairdressers, Ismail Tekin and Omer Cevirme, have taken on management roles, as they continue to service some of the most well known names in Washington and everyone in between.

The bold-face names of George’s clientele include House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, former chief of protocol Capricia Marshall and journalists Judy Woodruff, Norah O’Donnell, Arianna Huffington, Kathleen Matthews and Chris Matthews (that’s right). Some of the Kennedy clan have shown up, too: Ambassador Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, former first lady of California Maria Shriver. I even saw Rory Kennedy there before a premiere of one of her HBO films. (George Ozturk went to the White House during the Clintons years to do first lady Hillary Clinton’s hair.)

The story as of late is that the salon has had a re-do — with a new entrance, colors and additions. The George Salon re-launch party a few months back was packed with friends, clients and some fabulous Washingtonians donning their finest. Thankfully, Rick Raines is coordinating efforts in his usual fashion at the front desk, as Mr. go-to guy.

“I want to bring along my team of talented hairdressers and the gifted, who continually show great promise to our clientele and our salon,” said Ozturk, who founded the salon in 1985. “Ishmael and Omer have so much to offer and will be more involved in the day-to-day.”
Carl Ray, George’s renowned make-up artist and the go-to guy to first lady Michelle Obama and other wonderful clientele, is marketing a new boutique line of products called FINISH’D.

What’s the secret to the George Salon’s success? “We make everyone look and feel great when they come in here,” Ozturk said. “You don’t have to be a model to look fabulous.” The new updates have made it even more worth a visit.

Georgetowner • October 10, 2013

**DEAR STACY:**
**I am a divorced woman in my late 40s. I never wanted to be in this situation, but my husband and I just couldn?t make it work. I know that I really want to find a new partner to share my life with but I realize that I am very mistrustful of the men who seem interested in me. I immediately find reasons to cross them off my list, like if they?re not attractive enough, or not good with money, or seem to have trouble in certain social situations. I realize that my standards must be too high, but I just can?t get past some of these issues and it changes my behavior on dates (e.g. I could feel myself closing off when a recent date made a comment about the high price of the food at the restaurant we went to). I just don?t want to settle ? I did that for too long with my first husband.**
**? Too-High Standards**

***DEAR STANDARDS:***
*Ok, let?s start off by both of us considering that this actually is not about your standards. While we certainly could have a fun conversation about unrealistic expectations and how compromise is not necessarily ?settling,? I don?t think your standards are what are keeping you from connecting with New Guy.*

*It?s actually what I suspect is a well-won mistrust of men in general that is keeping you from finding New Guy. The little ?issues? that keep getting in your way are great defense mechanisms against allowing yourself to get close to (READ: be hurt by) someone new.*

*We can?t move on until we make peace with the past. It?s as simple (and clich?) as that. I imagine that you and Ex-Husband had some breach of trust ? anything from losing faith in your day-to-day connection to actually losing faith in your fidelity. Regardless of the content, divorce is incredibly painful. We aren?t ready for the new effort required to get into another relationship until we heal those old wounds ? we just don?t have the energy for it. One excellent way of avoiding that painful work is to force ourselves to ?get back out there? too quickly, but your subconscious is just using that as a smokescreen to prevent you from being hurt further. It?s not a horrible defensive move, but it?s not going to serve you in the way you ultimately want ? to help raise your self esteem and put you in a position to be ready to respond to the Right New Guy at the right time.*

Stacy Notaras Murphy [www.stacymurphyLPC.com](http://www.stacymurphyLPC.com) is a licensed professional counselor and certified Imago Relationship therapist practicing in Georgetown. This column is meant for entertainment only, and should not be considered a substitute for professional counseling. Send your confidential question to [stacy@georgetowner.com](mailto:stacy@georgetowner.com).

Georgetowner • August 20, 2013

Dear Stacy:

*I am writing because I know I need to say something to my son, I?m just collecting ideas about how to say it. Long story short, I am still paying for my 30-year-old son?s car insurance and he has an emergency credit card that comes out of my account. He has a job, but it?s not a great one, and living the city is expensive. I have helped my other children ?launch? in this way, I just don?t know why it doesn?t seem to be working with him. After losing my husband last year, my own budget is tighter and I really could use the money. The few times I have asked him about a charge he has made on the credit card, he doesn?t even look embarrassed about letting me pay for his things. I?m not sure how to get out of this burden without hurting him.*

? Failing to Launch

**Dear Failing:**

I’m a little confused about what “doesn’t seem to be working with him”? Is your launch plan common knowledge in the household, with clear limits and expectations spelled out for all, or is it implied? If it’s the latter, it sounds like Adult Son has a sweet deal going, and it’s unlikely he’s going to end it voluntarily.

Long story short, you need to stop paying his car insurance and cancel the shared credit card. Period. But you knew that part already. The interesting part, at least to me, is that you don?t seem to know why you should stop paying for these things. You are frustrated that he ?doesn?t even look embarrassed,? but there is no reason he should be embarrassed ? you haven?t given him any actual boundaries, so why would be worried about trampling the ones known to you alone?

It sounds like you are a very kind person who has offered Adult Son the same benefits provided to Unnamed Siblings, but he hasn?t gotten the hint that there are limits to those benefits. Accept it. He hasn?t gotten the hint. He?s not going to get a hint. He?s going to provide you more excuses ? or just coast on the ones you make for him ? and wait this one out. It?s up to you to be gentle (easy) but firm (non-negotiable). If you can?t afford to keep him on your payroll, you have to downsize. And breathe easy, this is a lesson he needs to learn. Better now (as in, right now, as soon as you are done reading this, just go) than any later.

*Stacy Notaras Murphy (www.stacymurphyLPC.com) is a licensed professional counselor and certified Imago Relationship therapist practicing in Georgetown. This column is meant for entertainment only, and should not be considered a substitute for professional counseling. Send your confidential question to stacy@georgetowner.com.*

Holly Harmon • August 15, 2013

Did I say “sex”? Blush.

Well, yes, I did.

Exercise. Health. These words are no fun. They have you should-ing all over yourself.:

“I should be eating less crap.”

“I should get to the gym.”

On Nov. 6, CNN Health reported: “Add this to the list of reasons why exercise is good for you: A new study says 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity, leisure time exercise is associated with roughly 3.4 years added to a person’s life.”

The list they refer to includes all the facts you know: exercise supports weight loss, better sleep, better focus and attention and prevents disease. Even with the abundance of facts you still find yourself throwing on sweats after work rather than lacing up your sneakers. So how do you stick to, or start, exercising?

The missing piece is pleasure. Pleasure is not a should. It is not forced. Pleasure is something you seek out. You make time for.
I am a health counselor that did not have a regular exercise routine for several years. Believe me, I had a lot of should going on.
The guilt of all my shoulds did not have me walking out the door with my yoga mat or bounding toward the gym. My body craving the euphoric pleasure of movement I love is what created a sustainable practice.

Dr. David L. Katz, director of the Yale Prevention Research Center, recently wrote “To Health with Fun? Bring on the Epidemic!” for HuffPost Healthy Living. He paints a picture of the infectious fun of hula-hooping getting a whole crowd unintentionally exercising on the White House lawn. He says, “People having fun might accidentally get healthy. We can get health in the pursuit of pleasure, and pleasure in the pursuit of health.”.

Working from your shoulds is not sustainable, with food or exercise.

If you have been telling yourself for years, “I should run”. But, you know you hate running. I am going to guess this has not been a regular activity for you.

The way to keep you going back for more movement is in the sexercise — moving your body (safely, responsibly!) in a way that brings you pleasure.

Movement + Pleasure = Sexercise

You don’t have to be at a gym. Dance with your vacuum in your pajamas. Any movement is better than sitting on your couch reading, watching, and thinking.

With New Year’s celebrations recently behind us you may already be in the mist of a plan to cut way down on certain foods and get to the gym “x” number of times per week.

Be gentle with yourself and your body. Start slowly. Notice what your body is enjoying and asking for.

On the overly busy days you skip your pleasurable movement you will be that much more excited, and have a better workout, when you can fit it in the next day. The key is finding something that has you wanting to go back for more.

Suggestions to start your Sexercise plan:

1. Experiment with different things you think you will enjoy. Be open to trying different playlists, classes, DVDs, gyms.
2. Get workout gear that makes you feel attractive. You show up in an old t-shirt you will workout like you are worn out.
3. Ask a friend to join that is fun, motivating and you think will also enjoy the activity. (Same goes if you like team sports or seeking a class/group that meets regularly-make sure the people are positive, uplifting, supportive and fun for you.)
4. Mix up your music. Create new playlists regularly that keep you pumped up.
5. Set the intention to show up for fun rather than “to get your workout in.”

Here’s to a new year with more enjoyment: more sexercise.

Need inspiration to get back on track? Contact me by Feb. 14 for 50 percent off your Breakthrough Session!

www.HollyRHarmon.com
info@hollyrharmon.com [gallery ids="101124,139571" nav="thumbs"]

Hayley Markovich •

As the autumn and winter months arrive, so do the pictur- esque reds, oranges, and yellows of fall, and the snowy winter wonderland.

With the arrival of colder weather, skin loses the moisture and glow it had during the warmer weather. This can lead to dry, itchy skin, especially on hands, because they are constantly exposed to the winter elements.
To combat winter skin as colder weather sets in, individual beauty routines must be altered to keep skin and yourself looking and feeling great all winter long.

When purchasing a hand cream to use during the winter months look for specific ingredients. Shea butter ensures that the lotion can help skin retain moisture. Also purchase items with natural oils like avocado, sunflower or coconut oil. These mois- turize and heal skin naturally.

Maximize the benefits of the lotion when you apply it by doing regular self-hand massages. Follow these simple steps:

1. Start by clasping your fingers and rubbing the heels of your palms together in a circular motion.

2. Keeping hands clasped, take one thumb and massage the area just below your other thumb in circular motions, moving outward to the center of the palm. Repeat with the other hand.

3. Release your fingers and use your thumbs and index fingers to knead your palms, wrists and the webbing between your fingers.

4. With one hand, gently pull each finger of the other hand.

5. Finish by using your thumb and index finger to pinch the webbing between your other thumb and index finger.

Protect your skin and treat yourself with these products sure to combat winter skin.

La Mer Soft Crème: This crème is one of the crèmes that branched off the original La Mer Crème de la Mer. The formula penetrates skin deeply to replenish moisture and strengthen the skin. (Blue Mercury available in 30ml or 60ml- $150)

Origins Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Souffle: This lotion nurtures and moisturizes while the scent of grapefruit creates a sense of opti- mism and contentment. The formula does not contain parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs or triclosan. (Sephora – $29.50)

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream: This hand cream is enriched with twenty percent sheabutter, honey, almond extracts, and coconut oil. This mixture of ingredientsleave hands soft and smooth. (L’Occitane5.2 floz- $28)

Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve: This formula of botanical oils and natural wax derived from olive oil, offers all–day moisture, conditioning and protec- tion. It creates a protective barrier against moisture loss and protects against and repairs the appearance of severe dry- ness caused by winter’s harsh elements. (Kiehl’s 2.5 oz- $15 or 5.0 oz- $22)

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Ultra Hydrating Body Butter: Josie Maran uses her signature ingredient, Argan Oil, in this velvety body butter. This body but- ter works to revitalize skin and restore softness while improving skin’s texture. It is available in Sweet Citrus or Vanilla Apricot. (Sephora – $35) [gallery ids="101041,136311,136306,136296,136301" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • August 8, 2013

**Dear Stacy:**
***I hate my job. I have hated this job for years. I am at my breaking point. The hours, the bad attitude of my coworkers, the indifference of my supervisors ? I?ve pushed through this for years but now I?m over all of it. The only thing holding me back from quitting today is my wife and family. We live a very comfortable life due to my salary. I have looked for other jobs for months, but the only ones that would give me the same compensation are in my current field and would just be more of the same. I want to do something totally different ? more nature-based, more flexible hours. My wife is 100 percent against this kind of change and keeps telling me that it would be too hard because we would have to downsize our house/lifestyle and the kids would be pulled from their schools. I know she?s right that it would be a big life change, but I am so unhappy and it seems like she doesn?t care at all.***
***? Dead End Job in D.C.***

Dear Dead End:
This sounds really, really difficult. I am so sorry that you feel this way and that things seem so hopeless. Ok, the empathy part is over, so brace yourself for the tough love part of this response.

When someone says he has hated a job for years and adds the one thing holding him back is Wife and Family, that seems a little simplistic. Staying in a job that made you miserable and, perhaps, even clinically depressed, was your decision. People ? often men ? deny their feelings of sadness or inadequacy, pretending those feelings don?t exist in order to maintain a brave face throughout a really difficult time. The thing is, those feelings don?t just go away when you deny them. They metabolize in your body and become part of the way you interact with everyone, all the time. So for years, you actually have not ?pushed through? anything, but rather, stockpiled your frustration and anxiety about your difficult work situation and allowed it to poison the relationships around you.

Major life changes like moving houses and changing multiple kids? schools do not come without consequences. Asking Wife to do what you did ? ignore her feelings and keep a brave face ? will only result in more distance between you two. It?s not that you don?t get to have a new job and a new outlook. But when things are so dire that we think the ?new thing? (a.k.a. job) is the only cure, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment. The first step must be getting yourself healthy (Read: counseling, antidepressants, healthy lifestyle) and rebuilding your trust and connection with Wife (this is where you get to talk about how you feel she doesn?t care). You need her to be on your team and make the next decision together. She?s not going to go willingly ? she?s protecting her family and, accordingly, her defenses are strong and tall. The repair work starts with her.

***[Stacy Notaras Murphy](http//www.stacymurphyLPC.com) is a licensed professional counselor and certified Imago Relationship therapist practicing in Georgetown. This column is meant for entertainment only, and should not be considered a substitute for professional counseling. Send your confidential question to [stacy@georgetowner.com](mailto:stacy@georgetowner.com).***

Eve Barnett • July 26, 2013

Home to everything from gourmet cupcakes to rooftop bars, D.C. is fertile ground for new trends to take root. This summer, Washington welcomes another winning fad: themed runs.

“Take running and add a whole lot of silly,” said Dean Silkstone, manager of Georgetown Running Company, describing this new athletic phenomenon. Ranging between three and 10 kilometers, the races have their own quirky obstacles and characteristics. These themes give the events a special twist that makes, as Silkstone explained, “running enjoyable even for people who never before considered themselves runners.”

“The events focus not so much on competition but instead on fun,” said Silkstone, so that people of all ages, gender, and levels of athleticism can participate. College freshman Gawan Fiore said, “The vast majority were 18-28 [years old]” in an electric run he recently completed. “Our races end up being about 55 percent female,” added Michael Epstein, president of the Down & Dirty Obstacle Run.

However, that’s not to say these races are not family-friendly. “It is a great father-daughter experience,” said mud-running veteran Jim Delgado, calling both runs he completed with his daughters “memorable and a lot of fun.”

The D.C. area will host singles’ runs, mud runs, rave runs, color runs and firefighter-themed runs, to name a few. Here is a preview of the most spunky, intriguing ones coming up soon:

Run n’ Mate 5K kicks off its five-run series on Friday, July 19. Describing its participants as “a community of young, active adults who want to meet other people with similar interests,” this race says it provides the “perfect opportunity” for runners to socialize. On Friday evening, participants gather for happy hour at a bar to mingle with – and motivate – each other. Saturday morning, runners complete the 5K. At night, they enjoy a post-race celebration in a local bar or club with their fellow finishers. Details can be found at [here](http://www.runnmate5k.com).

Down & Dirty Obstacle Run takes place on Sunday, July 21. “People looking to test themselves and try a new, exciting event” should try this race, said Epstein. Offering both 10Ks and 5Ks, participants climb a 24-foot cargo net, crawl under a rope net, leap over logs, and trek through a thick mud pit before completing the course. Details can be found [here](http://www.downanddirtymudrun.com).

The Rave Run happens on Saturday, Aug. 17. This 5K, starting at 8:30 P.M., refers to itself as the event that brings “the adrenaline pumping music and special effects from electronic festivals into a fun run course…with music and light stations, neon-clad runners and a thriving after-party with live music.” Details can be found [here](http://wwww.theraverun.com).

Color in Motion 5K, on Saturday, Sept. 14, covers runners in pigments, paints, and pastels throughout the course. The run directs participants to wear white and prepare for “your moving body [to be] plastered in an explosion of vibrant color with all your friends” and promises to “transform a group of ordinary runners into a moving rainbow,” giving participants and spectators alike a morning to remember. Details can be found [here](http://www.colorinmotion5k.com).

Hero Rush Obstacle Race, taking place on Saturday, Sept. 21, describes itself as “the tough, crazy, fear-facing fun 4-5 mile race with 17+ totally unique firefighter and hero-themed obstacles.” Exposing participants to the types of athletic challenges faced by firefighters, the event pushes runners to push themselves outside their comfort zones and test their physical limits. Details can be found [here](http://www.herorush.com).

With courses scattered throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia and such a broad range of themes, there indeed seems to be an event for everyone.

Plus, since this themed run phenomenon appears to be here to stay, why not run, walk, crawl, jump or even dance along?

Rachel Scola • July 23, 2013

We’ve all seen the water bottles that count milligrams to help you consume the recommended daily 2-3 liters of water. The bottles are disguised in trendy colors with words like “quench” graphically displayed and sometimes can be found in your local drugstore, right next to bottles of the vitamins and nutrients we are also recommended to take. It’s hard to consume these routinely, and thus the nutrient-enhanced beverages were born.

Most of us are not strangers to nutrient-enhanced waters. I’m sure each of us has, or has a friend who has, grabbed a VitaminWater instead of a sugary soda during a lunch break. Just in case you are a bit unfamiliar with the world of enhanced drinks, or you are looking to expand your palate, here is a quick list of some choice beverages to taste test for yourself and potentially add to your routine.

Kevita Sparkling Probiotic Drinks: With over eight to choose from, there is bound to be one flavor of these bottled drinks that suits your taste buds. Many options contain coconut water, which has been popular for the past couple years and shows no signs of slowing down. It’s an acquired taste that isn’t necessarily for everyone, but the benefits include high potassium and low calories. Kevita’s drinks are all vegan, certified organic and contains four strains of live probiotics that help your immune and digestive systems. Probiotics are most common in dairy products, but Kevita is fully dairy-, lactose- and even glutenfree.

Recently, it added a daily cleanse option to their collection- a lemon cayenne simplified detox that has less sugar and a lower price tag than other cleanses. A fair warning: the sparkling factor of Kevita, while giving it a unique taste,
can be a bit powerful. Each bottle is under $3. Try the pomegranate black tea as your first step into the Kevita world.

Bluedelta: You know a water company is serious when they have a monthly membership club in the works. The 20-20 club with bluedelta will have cases delivered each month, along with perks like a free case after ever 10 bought and
training and exercise tips. Bluedelta water has an 8.6 pH level, meaning it has higher alkaline levels than your average spring water. These alkaline levels help flush out toxins, strengthen cell membranes and even help promote better circulation. Bluedelta water goes through an electrolysis filtration process to change the pH level and the molecule
structure, making the molecules smaller and easier for your body to absorb. A case of 20 bottles can be bought for $24.99 online.

Blk. Water: Black is the new clear in the world of water if you choose to enjoy this beverage. With marketing and packaging that
is just as unique as this water itself, blk. boasts zero calories, sugars, and carbs and also a pH level of above 8 to help
cleanse your body from toxins. The color comes from the organic fulvic trace minerals that are added to the pure water base. Don’t worry: blk. doesn’t have a thicker consistency and tastes like normal water. It’s not a miracle drink, but with all the celebrity endorsements, drinking it can make you feel a bit more special, and you’ll be happy that you’re helping your body a little bit more by drinking blk. instead of plain tap water. Find it at your grocery store for about $2.

Neuro: You’ve probably seen these in your local drug or grocery store and if you haven’t already tried it, you need to. Neuro has a cultlike fanbase full of celebrities and peers alike, but with great tasting drinks that clock in at 35 calories a serving, its no surprise. Products range from sleep to alert to bliss, but downing the yellow daily drink is a good place to start. Neuro
Daily has a tangerine-citrus flavor and packs vitamins D and C and is designed to enhance your immune system and support your health against daily stresses, sleep deprivation and eating habits. As it grows even more popular, it can
be found in even more stores, but just check your local CVS or social Safeway for a $2.50 bottle.

These are only four options in a growing world of choices (Fresh Market sells coconut water with chia seeds in it. Who would have thought?) Remember to be smart in all your diet choices. None of the above should be substituted instead of a meal. They are only meant to help and enhance your diet and lifestyle. Keep in mind they will not affect everyone the same, but
it’s summertime which is the best time to try new ways of healthy hydration. Bottoms up! [gallery ids="101397,154103" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • July 17, 2013

*DEAR STACY:*
**I am in a long distance relationship with a man who works overseas. We dated a long time ago and then broke up when he moved. But we stayed in close contact and my feelings for him never really died. Long story short, we rekindled things a few months ago and now are giving it a go long distance. The problem is that I have very little in the way of financial resources,
so regular visits are out for us. Is this relationship doomed?**

***? Am I Wasting Our Time?***

**DEAR WASTING:**
Long distance relationships are challenging, particularly when they don’t have an end date, such as returning from grad school, ending a military tour, or simply deciding to move to the same locale. It doesn’t sound like that is your
circumstance, so basically you are intimately involved with a person who will not be physically present to you except for on very special occasions. The relationship is not ?doomed,? but you may have to do some defining of this relationship, because it’s not going to look like those around you.

You absolutely can love and be connected to a person who does not live near you. The question is, how do you fulfill one another’s emotional (and physical) needs when you are not meeting regularly? Yes, you can Skype in a restaurant
and you both can commit to watching the same Netflix at the same time. Perhaps that is enough for you. But you both need to sign on for that ? honestly, by naming it as such. The risk is that if you aren?t very specific about what you each expect you can wind up disappointing the other person (E.G. Were you secretly expecting him to move back here? Is he hoping you will get the
hint and find a job overseas?), leading to deep resentment (AKA: relationship poison) over time. Please do yourselves this favor and have that conversation ASAP.

***Stacy Notaras Murphy [www.stacymurphyLPC.com](http//www.stacymurphyLPC.com) is a licensed professional counselor and certified Imago Relationship therapist practicing in Georgetown. This column is meant for entertainment only, and should not be considered a substitute for professional counseling. Send your confidential question to [stacy@georgetowner.com](mailto:stacy@georgetowner.com).***