Dear Gloria,

No real questions just a comment that you remind me of my dear departed little Italian mother (and several of my "adopted Jewish mothers"). The caring just shines through your beautiful eyes. Jill is very lucky to have you.

May you and yours have a blessed and happy Passover.
G-d bless you!
Carole

Question for Gloria: Please ask!

Gloria, I have found myself unemloyed for almost a year from a really great salary and career--I was able to support my two daughters very well and send them to good colleges. Now one is married and I gave her a great wedding--but the other one still has a one last semester in college. (I am divorced, so their father also helps.) I have NO money to help her with her last semester. And for some reason, she seems to be mad-not understand, and refuses to talk to me. I have not shared with either daughter the horrible nature of my finances--facing a foreclosure--all the other depression that goes with it--and I don't want to. But, thw worst thing, is my duaghters who I have worked so hard for all my life have not been there for me. We seriously had a good relationship--they were good girls--we never had to fight or I never had to do anything drastic. I had level 1 breast cancer and had to go through treatment--but they weren't there for me ( they do live a few states from me--but a phone call while I was going through radiation would have meant so much). Do you think I just kept to much from them and now they are mad? Or are they just rotten? I love them more than my life and I cry every day about this. I just can't get through to them that I need them. They just seem to be mad that I didn't tell them in the first place and now they are holding that against me. What do I do? Susan

Hi Gloria,

You are wonderful on the show. Quite frankly the best housewife. I need some of your wisdom. It seems that whenever my husband and I invite people either to our house for dinner or cocktails or to go out, they do not respond until the last minute, which leaves us hanging. It has happened many times with different people. I think it's incredibly rude. We have a child with special needs and need to make sitter arrangements well in advance. My husband also travels for his job. Our time with him is very precious. Most of these people are aware of this. I don't feel it's right that I have to call them again and I'm not sure what to do. Any suggestions?

Thank you!

Gloria, I think that you need to give some of that advice of yours to your daughter. She has lost a lot of fans over her nasty ways with Bethenny. Bethenny is a sweet lady that has had a lot of hurt in her life. You said she was like family, why don't you treat her like that and work to mend the relationship between Jill and Bethenny.

Please Gloria reach out to Bethenny in this happy time for her. I know she would love to hear from you.

It is obivious you are a kind hearted person. To listen to LuAnn and love her through a difficult time in her life shows how wonderful you are. Last season it was Bethenny who you loved through a difficult time. Jill is a blessed lady to have a mom like you!

All of you should read bmoms comment. These shows are getting out of hand. Teaching everybody to behave like this is ok. I have watched these shows from the beginning, and not interested in them any longer. Im sick of the fighting and nasty drama that goes on. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. All the reality shows on need some revamping. Its not reality!!!

Dear Gloria, You seem to be a good mom with a leval head on your shoulder. Betheny and Jill clearly are good friends and sometimes when friends are so close when one gets to busy for them it can be hurtful. Both ladies have been good for each other. Clearly Bethany's rant was rude . Is there any way you can sit down with these two and mend their friendship?.You once said Betheny was part of your family. Can you help Betheny see Jills side? Boyfriends come and go but girlfriends are always there when the chips are down.

Gloria:
I'm 65 years old, lost a husband to cancer after 5 awful years of medical nightmares -- lost my house after he passed away (plus legal suits from his family about his estate), but luckily I've worked (not getting rich, though). My question to you is:
I've been dating a man for 6 years (living together the past few months). He is wealthy, but very unwilling to share it at all -- like helping to fix up this old house. However, we have traveled a lot since we've been together and he has no qualms about spending money then.
I guess I don't feel that he really cares enough to "invest" anything but his time (and money when he's having fun). As I said, I am 65 years old (he's 63) -- now what? You know what I mean...
Love your family and your good advice.
Regards...

Dear Gloria,

I absolutely love your advice! That is why I thought I would take a chance and ask you you advice on how a 49-year old shiksa can find true love. I don't look 49, actually no one believes I'm 49, and I take very good care of myself.

I have been divorced for over 25 years and have no children. I have dated, but just can't seem to find a good man. I have a good career in advertising and live in the suburbs of D.C.

If you have any words of wisdom on how to meet a decent, caring, funny, God-fearing man, please let me know.

If you don't...I still love your down-to-earth Motherly advice.

Dear Gloria,
I agree with almost ALL of your advice except for your answer to Lori Ann who doesn't know how to deal w/her in-laws. Instead of expecting THEM to call their son, how about their SON or even HER extending a welcome to them? If she wants them involved with their grandson, invite them over, offer to bring lunch TO THEM at their home. It's respect to honor and take care of your elders, ESPECIALLY your parents and grandparents and your advice to her only condones the opposite and alienates their son from forming a relationship with his grandparents. Paula in Tucson

Hi Gloria,
I would love to see more of you on the show. You are a great MOM and an inspiration! I'm a mother of two...a 3 year old girl and a 16 month old boy, i couldn't be happier. I hope I raise them as well as you did your children. :)

Hey, Gloria.

I was wondering what your take was on the idea of forgiving when you can't forget.

I can do it, but it does take me a lot of time. There's really no way to rush these things. Is there?

Dear Gloria,

I am writing to you because I believe you are the only one that can possibly do something about the decline of ALL of the housewives shows on Bravo. Can you please talk to someone and ask them to stop filming all of the ugliness that goes on between these women! It is horrible how they talk about each other and treat each other. These women don't act like decent human beings let alone friends. They are all so two-faced in their relationships. Some people say it makes good TV, but I would rather see woment helping each other and lifting each other up when they are down. Why does it have to be so ugly???? The world needs to see more love. Can you do anything? Can I?
Kristin

Dear Gloria, I been leaving with a boyfriend for the past 5 years, he was merry before ( 3 tmes) and end it up very ugly divorces, hes been cheat, and took a lots of money from him with one of his divorces, I benn merry 1 time only and divorce also, have 2 kids and 2 beautiful grandchildren, I'm from Peru living in the States for 27 years, and I want to get merry, but he said he will never mget merry again, but.... I want to get merry, always want to be a wife and mother , but never a girlfriend spacial at my age,(43) what sure I do, please help. thanks Paulina, P.S his sister and some friends dont like me , I adore this man, I take care of him like King and we both love each other. His sister has a lot to do with the brake up of his other relation ships, thanks

Hi Gloria,
What would you do if someone showed up for dinner at your home 45 minutes earlier than the time you had agreed on? Would you confront the situation? This happened to me recently and I thought it was completely unthoughtful on their part. Thanks in advance for your advice.

Emily

Dear Gloria,

I need your guidance desperately. Our oldest daughter went to a liberal college (which we paid for), while there she learned that she had to find her own person and in order to do that, get rid of everything that came from her parents; they called it "parental programming". She did graduate, but changed her name, moved across the country and we haven't heard from her in months. I feel like my daughter has died and I am completely overwhelmed by the situation. She is an adult so she can do what she wants, but how do I move on without feeling so hurt and angry?

Hi Gloria,

I have a sister-in-law who is a bit crazy enough to yell at all her family members and now insulted me and my hubby in front of her in-laws.

Anyway her marriage has been shambles and staying for the kid or money.
She makes a good money herself anyway but has a cancer and her husband also has a drinking problem with a heart condition.

Since she is half-crazy, we ignored her but now trys to scratch me through emails.
Before, I had some sympathy because no one likes her, has a cancer,...etc.. but now I think she's better off dead.
Seriously.
Even my hubby doesn't want to deal with her but he's the only one left for her.
Anyway, I wanted to cut off the relationship. But it's not easy to do so unless she dies. So far I am avoiding her.
Any advice?
Best,
Viv

Dear Gloria,
Thank you for taking the time for this blog! There are many of us out here that would have loved to have had a mother as kind, caring and loving as you seem to be. Jill is a lucky girl!! It's wonderful that you can share your experiences with us here at Bravo, I know I really, really appreciate it!

Gloria,

Just wanted to give a HUGE high five, and tell you not only is your daughter my favorite Housewife, but I believe she is a awesome person all around, and hopefully her fued with Bethenny will end and bethenny will see how good if a friend Jill truely is, You have raised a wonderful Woman! Which I'm sure you already know =)

Rob
South Florida

Gloria, you are such a strong and powerful woman. I have been having such a difficult time with my youngest daughter it's been difficult to talk with her. Can you give any advise?

Dear Gloria,

So far, I don't see any earth-shattering wisdom being whispered from the tree-tops. I think are an average, every day yenta. Oy Vey

Dear Gloria,
Last year my daughter confinded in me out of concern for her cousin, whom told her that he was doing pot. For awhile I kept quiet for hope that my nephew would tell his mother (their usally pretty open with their parents). But after sometime it became clear he would not.

Then my sister and I had words, where she made me ill comment on my parenting. So I then told her that I knew of something in her own household. I made it clear that she should investigate before she confronted. But she did none of that, she barged forth and told the kid that my daughter narked on him. He along with his sister sent nasty e-mails to my daughter and treated her unkindly at school.

I called my sister and confronted her and her only response was that she knew things about my daughter too?! So I questioned of what that was and she said she was not going to tell secrets?! Commenting I said "Oh so your a better Mother than me by not telling another mother of concerns?!"

At that point I told her I was through (of course you have to understand there have been other things, of course in a family there always is). I have always been there for her kids, watching them for 10 hour days when she and husband both worked. Taking them for weeks at a time to go hiking of just family time. This hurts me greatly! I think her and the kids owe my daugther an apology. To hate me is one thing but to treat my daughter unkindly is another.

Its hard for me cause we remained out of contact for the holidays and now the kids birthdays we are again not speaking. But when they still snub my daughter in school its hard for me to make any comprimise.

Am I wrong for feeling this hurt?

Thank you
Eri

Dear Gloria,
I know you have heard it often, but I must say it, you are WONDERFUL! You have such a great energy around you. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.
My mother, whom I loved dearly, died recently. My father is also deceased. I cannot go to either of them -- thus why I am coming to you. I am deeply in love with a younger Jewish man. We have been together for almost 6 years. We have been engaged for 4 years. To make a long story short, his parents do not approve of me because I am older (they seem to be okay with my not being Jewish). His parents are seeing a therapist to try and understand why their son would marry me -- UGH, how that hurts me. I have spent time with them, and they have said that they like me, how I am an intelligent woman..etc, yet they do not approve of my marrying their son. I never thought I would fall in love with a younger man, but I did. I believe in life that we cannot chose who we love. My fiance completely supports me and our relationship. We are getting married this September. I desperately do not want to have in-laws that do not want me around. Is there anything I can do in this situation to help my in-laws accept me and/or this situation? I am so happy with my fiance. I never thought I would find love like this -- I wish I could share that happiness with my future in-laws. Thank you, Gloria. PamelaGwyn

Gloria, please share with us your thoughts about Jill's and Bethenny's friendship. What advice did you give to Jill? I think it is a very sad situation.

Dear Gloria,
I have recently been in a three year relationship, but my ex broke up with me four months ago and now wants to try again. I can't seem to get over the fear that he will change his ways (such as; compramising) he shas stated before that he would not compramise on where we would live and other things but now states that he might be able to compramise. My question to you is do you think people change??

First we have the husbands blog and now we have a mother blogging - not about the show, but taking "Dear Abbey" questions. Where is this all leading? Will this show move to Phoenix like the Jersey Shore is moving to Miami??

Let's get back on track!

DEAR GLORIA,
YOU ARE A VERY SAGE PERSON. YOU RAISED A WONDERFUL FAMILY AND IT SHOWS!! NOW YOU OFFER ADVICE TO PEOPLE AND I THINK ITS GREAT. YOU ARE A VERY GENUINE PERSON. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!

Hi Gloria,
I just have a comment. Last season when you were talking with Bethenny in the kitchen and she started crying...I think I know why. She came from a family who showed little to no love and you, on the other hand, radiate family love and caring...so when she was talking to you, she realized how little was given to her growing up( and in the present). Without even knowing you I can tell that you are what mother's should be. Jill is a lucky, lucky person.

Dear Gloria, I had a a tough childhood, completely at the hands of my mother. She was, very narcissistic, selfish, neglectful and abusive. We have been on and off again estranged throughout the last 10 years. As I get older, I only realize how bad it actually was. Since I had a son of my own (now 20) and knowing I would/could never do to him what was done (and not done) to me, the resentment only gets deeper. My mother is aware I have issues, but refuses to take responsibility for anything. She either denies anything happened or makes excuses for everything. There has been no compunction whatsoever. Therefore, there has been no pacification for me. Therapy only made me realize the severity of my past also. I get very agitated when I speak with her because so much of what we talk about has some kind of past reference. (short of just talking about the weather) So my question is this...how do I get past this to have a relationship with my 72 year old mother? ...Or should I?

Hi Gloria
I have been with my boyfriend for 6 years and he won't marry me. We have 2 children together (and he has 2 from a past relationship). His reason for not wanting to get married is due to him going through a really hard divorce and he sees this as a sign that he don't want to go through this again. As I see it, our relationship is good. I don't want my children growing up in a household that is immoral (if I stay), but also I am afraid of them growing up in a household without their father (if I leave him). I love him and want to be his wife. Please give me your advice on this.

Dear Gloria... What were your feelings on how Bethany was mocking you and Jill's voice when she was talking to her boyfriend about how draining Jill is and about how Ramona was saying that Jill only likes Bethany cuz she is the underdog??

My question is the opposite of Lori-Ann's - how do I handle overly involved in-laws? My fiance is divorced and has a mid-elementary aged son. We share custody 50-50 with his ex (She left him for another man. I came into the picture 1.5 years after the divorce.) But it's really like we share custody with his ex and his parents. They call every day. His mom buys the grandson things constantly without asking us (like dressers when we just redid his entire room). They beg for him to spend the night with them then delay bringing him back for as long as possible. He always has an attitude with me when he gets home from their house, and if they are around, he stops listening to me. His mom doesn't even say hi to me or my fiance (her son!) when they visit. She goes straight to the grandson and gives him a present. If she does talk to me, she riducules my housekeeping abilities and then tells my fiance she doesn't think she's being rude. What do I do? At this point, I don't want to have anything to do with them and mainly try to avoid them. I constantly tell my fiance that they are ruining any chance of a future relationship with me or with any kids we have because I wouldn't want them around people who hate me and undermind him or me as a parent. I hate telling him that, but it's the truth.

Thanks!
Frustrated and furious

Dear Gloria,
What is your opinion regarding; Gretchen and Lori’s talk about Slade and Lori’s prior involvement (in the OC Season Finale), Gretchen’s afterthoughts on what Slade told her of his prior involvement with Lori?
Sincerely,
RJ

Dear Gloria,

I am 41 years old and I am widowed twice, I have a 10 year old son and allthough I am not looking for a serious relationship just yet I do have a special friend, we are very close but he does have a girlfriend of many years, it doesnt matter to me since I know this is never going to be anything more then a friendship, my friends think I am crazy but after all I have been through I dont see the problem, do you think I think I should take my friends advise and move on or just stay happy the way I am for now?

Hi Gloria!

In the past two years, I got divorced and remarried. I have two small children with my ex, and we work well together to give the children the best of both worlds. It is a "modern arrangement." We have both moved on and are very happy. The only drama that evolved out of the situation is from some of my family. They hate that we are divorced. They hate that we have moved on and they love to try to and stir up rumors. I guess I was prepared for people to talk, but the cold shoulder I have received from my own family has been hurtful. Do I keep my mouth shut and just be happy? Be the bigger person? Say something? Keep my distance? Help!!!

Thanks!
Jayne

What advice will you give Jill for talking about Ramona at her OWN party?

Hi Gloria,I'm just wondering what your thoughts are on the break up of Jill and Bethennys friendship.I know Jill is hurt by it and Bethennys attitude.Bethenny has changed and not in a good way at all.I've seen her on other shows ans she really is too full of herself.You went out of your way to be so loving and kind to her.What are your thoughts?

Dear Gloria,
Several months ago my partner of two years ended our relationship saying that, although he still loved me, he was no longer "in love" with me; I was devastated. But as time has passed we seem to have grown even closer. We live only a few minutes away from each other, so we're constantly together and always enjoy each other's company. All signs indicate that we're together again, but I'm too afraid to ask if we are, for fear that he'll say no. Should I initiate a conversation, or wait for him to make the first move?
Best Wishes,
Hopeful

Gloria, I adore you and would love to have a mom like you to throw some advice my way! You are a hoot and I'm happy that Jill (MY FAV HOUSEWIFE) has you as a mother. You did a wonderful job raising her! Good luck in all you do!

Hello Gloria,

My daughter is 17, a senior in high school, an only child, the love of my life. Since a near fatal car accident me and my husband were in 5 years ago has really changed my relationship with her. I'm much more over protective of her. She's an awesome girl, smart, beautiful, has many colleges looking at her to play golf for them. But even at the age of 17, I tend to "run" her life. I want to know where she's at, who's she's with, etc. I can't seem to let go. What is your advice for my letting go a bit? Not to be so over protective? I don't want to run her off.

The best advice to Betheny and Jill on how to reconcile their friendship is start by saying, "I'm sorry" and let bygones be bygones--good friends are here to stay.

Hi Gloria,

I have long wanted to tell you that your words to Bethanny, "you can't go through life a tortured soul", rang so true to me! Those words really changed my life, thank you.

I am currently in the process of converting to Judaism, do you have any advice on how and where I can find a nice Jewish husband? Certainly I am due:-)

Thank you,
Thea

Dear Gloria, what are you going to do with the strain between Jill and Bethenny?

Best wishes,
HOB

How come after 12 years my boyfriend doesnt know if he wants to get married? I am 35, want to get married, have kids, just want to be happy, I need your advice, I cant do this for much longer.......I need to be happy.....

What do you think of Jill & Bethenny's falling out? You seemed very sweet to Bethenny, so do you still talk to her... or you like Jill & not talk to B at all?

What advice would you give to Betheny and Jill on how to reconcile their friendship?