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Tell Me About It: They were a team, no matter the incomes

While I'm away, readers give the advice. On women who "grossly outearn" male partners: My husband was a junior high school teacher, and I "grossly" out-earned him. I understood that he was shaping minds, and the importance of his job far outweighed that of mine, which was in sales. However, it didn't matter to either of us how much money the other one made or what we did earning it - we were a team, and loved each other very much.

While I'm away, readers give the advice.

On women who "grossly outearn" male partners: My husband was a junior high school teacher, and I "grossly" out-earned him. I understood that he was shaping minds, and the importance of his job far outweighed that of mine, which was in sales. However, it didn't matter to either of us how much money the other one made or what we did earning it - we were a team, and loved each other very much.

- Happy in Dallas
On mixing (art) business and friendship: My instructor-mentor suggested that I not do any "commissioned" pieces for friends, but instead make pieces I feel like creating and let friends choose some I could part with. Taking orders from friends often ends up with a friend disappointed in the result and you frustrated at spending your time in production mode, not your creativity zone.

My friends were still thrilled to have original art from the hands of a friend while I was able to make art that interested me and pleased others.

- W.
On being hurt by others' response to your grief:

1. Helping a grieving friend or relative is very hard; some people want to be left alone and some want very specific help yet don't ask for it.

2. Forgive people for what they say or do when confronted with a grieving friend or relative; they simply do not know what to do or say. Period.

3. We are more emotionally sensitive during grief. Try not to be offended by what others do or say; they really don't know what would be helpful.

- J.