What are your qualifications for giving advice?
I’ve been writing about relationships—every aspect of them—since 1985. As readers got to know me, they began asking me for advice. About 20 years ago, I started answering their questions and addressing their problems as a regular part of Tales from the Front.
Do you get feedback on your advice?
That’s the most rewarding part—hearing back from people, learning I’ve really made a difference in their lives.
Why did you decide to give advice on a one-to-one basis?
I was frustrated by how long it took to actually get a response to a reader. Sometimes, an answer doesn’t appear in the paper for weeks. Sometimes longer. I know when I have a problem, I want help NOW. I figured others feel the same.
Is that the only reason?
No. I wanted a format with more give-and-take. Sometimes people think the problem is one thing, but as they delve into it, they realize it’s really something else. That kind of exchange is something you can’t do in a newspaper column.
Right now, you just giving advice over the telephone. Do you think you might expand to the internet?
Yes, that’s something I’m thinking about. If callers feel they’d like to have a video chat, I may set up Face Time or Skype in the future.
What is the fee for your service?
It’s $25 for the first 15 minutes, with a 15 minute minimum, and $1 a minute after that.
Do you take credit cards?
Yes. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
Will you send me a bill?
No. When we’re through talking, I’ll take your credit card information and email you a receipt.