Should Soul Mates Marry Quickly?

Dear Tia,

I recently met a man who I believe is my soul mate. We clicked instantly. After only dating for a few weeks we've met each other's families and have become inseparable. We've already made plans for our happily ever after. Now don't get me wrong, I am not naive enough to think things will be perfect, but I do feel confident that we have what it takes to make it work. So what's the problem? Some people in my life are saying things are moving to fast. I don't plan to get married tomorrow, but I can't guarantee it won't happen next week. Am I crazy? - Ready for a Quicky

Dear Ready,

Congrats on finding the love of your life. Should you be excited? Yes. Should you follow your heart? Yep. Should you use your head? Definitely. Don't let naysayers lead you into making a decision you'll regret. If you love this man make plans to marry him — notice how I said "plan"? Be strategic about how you enter into the union. Undergo pre-marital counseling to ensure you see eye-to-eye on key issues, such as money matters, sex and family values. Additionally, you may want to consider swapping credit reports with your partner. This will allow you to get great insight into the lifestyle you'll lead as a unit. Love is grand. Marriage is beautiful. Enjoy it. But just like sex, you reduce your vulnerability to risk when you protect yourself.

Dealing with Busy Friends

Dear Tia,

I have a very, very close friend who started a company and did not tell me. Does that mean I am not as close to her as I once thought? - Too Far For Comfort

Dear Too Far For Comfort,

If you're wondering why your friend didn't share this bit of information I suggest that you go straight to the source. Don't be confrontational when you approach your pal. Instead, offer your congratulations and let her know how proud you are of her accomplishment. Then, as the conversation progresses, share your thoughts about not being informed about the venture and ask whether there was any specific issue that made her decide to exclude you from the project. Be prepared for what the person has to say. It may simply be that she wanted privacy while formulating and executing her plan. However, it may be more complicated. I suggest you be open to whatever your friend has to say and remember that the new business endeavor isn't about you — it is all about your friend's success. Additionally, your pal may not rely on you when it comes to business, but you may be a great confidante when it comes to relationships. Trust that you add value to your buddy's life. Be supportive. Be patient. Be a good pal.

How to deal with a not-so-nice guy

This week Tia gives advice to a teen dealing with boyfriend drama.

Dear Tia,

My boyfriend is acting mean to all of my friends. – 15 and dating

Dear 15 and Dating,

Talk it out. Communication is the hardest part of all relationships - especially when you're dating someone. Many people have a hard time telling the individuals they care about most how they feel because they fear losing them. My advice is simply to let him know that he's important to you, but so are your friendships. If he values you he has to respect the people around you. If he chooses otherwise then that's a warning sign of things to come. If he's disrespectful to people who he deems as "unworthy" what happens when he gets mad at you? Will he be rude? Will he stop speaking to you?

Sadly, friends and boyfriends, or girlfriends, don't always get along. That said, no one has the right to be condescending or disrespectful to anyone. Stand up for your friends and yourself. If they can't all get along keep them apart, but don't let his ill-temperament keep you from maintaining the other important relationships in your life. Do think about what his attitude says about him as a person.