Dear Aviva, I am a mother of two as well as a kindergarten teacher. I have come to realize that I use up all of my energy and patience throughout the day to deal properly with my 20 rambunctious students. more

Ask Aviva Issue of September 10, 2010/ 2 Tishrei 5771 Dear Aviva, I am dating this girl and it’s getting pretty serious. The shadchan set us up mainly because we have similar backgrounds. … more

Dear Aviva, I have been divorced for 5 years and am serious about getting remarried. I don’t have any kids, I present myself well and have a decent job that I’m happy with. I know that it is much easier for me to find dates since I am a guy, but I am having trouble finding the type of woman that would fit my haskafa. more

Issue of September 17, 2010/ 9 Tishrei 5771 Dear Aviva, I was doing some thinking and just came to a realization. I have a very particular way of relating to people — I always have some quip … more

Dear Aviva, I feel very silly writing about this and don’t know if you will even publish it, but I have a sheitel problem. I’ve had the same one since I got married 6 years ago. It’s outdated, stretched and not even my color anymore. Plus, I never liked the cut. But I can’t afford a new one, and I literally cry almost every morning when I put it on to leave for work. I think I’ve scared my husband. And then I feel guilty for being petty. Not to mention the guilt of starting to hate the mitzvah of covering my hair. more

Ask Aviva Issue of May 28, 2010/ 15 Sivan 5770 Dear Aviva, I work for a very small non-profit organization and I am one of three employees. My two co-workers do an okay job, but that’s … more

Dear Aviva, My husband quit smoking before we ever met, and when we dated I made it very clear that I will not tolerate him picking up the habit again. We’re married about 4 years and I’ve recently been noticing signs that he has gotten into it again. I confronted him, and he fessed up right away, but I am so mad at him! I’m worried that my kids will grow up with a bad role model while they’re inhaling second-hand smoke—which is way worse than regular smoking! How do I get him to stop? more

Dear Aviva, My husband and I are in our late seventies and are proud grandparents. Our first grandchild just became engaged to a lovely young man. They are planning on marrying in Israel in a few months. I cannot attend, since I am responsible for taking my husband to dialysis and caring for him. Our children or grandchildren help out the few times that I am not able to take him, but all of our family will be at the wedding and I do not feel that it would be right to leave him with someone who is unfamiliar with his situation. I have been dreaming of my granddaughter’s wedding from the time that she was a very young child and cannot come to terms with this concept of not attending. more

Issue of September 22, 14 Tishrei 5771 Dear Aviva, Being married has made me dread Yomim Tovim. My husband and our baby son move into my in-laws’ house, and it is really hard on me. My in-laws … more

Dear Aviva, I was disappointed with your response to “Strangled in Marriage” (1/27/2011). I think you missed the point and your advice was narrow-minded. When I read the husband’s letter, I heard a young wife who wants love and attention from her husband. It’s obviously hard for her to express her needs directly, but love and attention are the strongest needs of every woman. If her husband is out for FOUR HOURS it’s no wonder she makes up a reason to call him. more