Ask A Puggle

During a visit with my brother-in-law’s family, I was sitting at the table chatting when my 3-year-old nephew ran up, screamed, “I am a dragon,” and bit my arm. Shocked and in pain, I ended up hitting him and knocking him over. He started crying and ran to his room. I have apologized profusely, but I still feel like a monster. How could I have better resolved the situation without resorting to violence?

I am in love with a friend but confused by her actions around me. “Lisa” and I met in college and, after she graduated, she moved to Utah. Recently, I traveled out to see her and, even though she insisted we were both friends, made advances that seemed more than platonic. I want make Lisa more than just a friend, but can’t escape that label. What would you do?