1) I am about to start high school. My Mom gave me a long name, let's say "Alexandria". I like to go by a shorter version, say "Allie." Everywhere I go - school, church, scouts, etc. - Mom tells them not to call me by anything but my full name. Usually, the adults there respect my feelings, and call me "Allie" in the group, and remember to refer to me as "Alexandria" to my Mom. My Mom even hangs up on my friends if they ask for "Allie." I've dealt with this for years, but now I'm tired of it. How can I make her understand I'm old enough to decide what to be called?

She's family! She chose your name, and it's Alexandria, not "Allie". As an adult, you can legally change your name. As an adult, you can also break your mother's heart. It's your choice.

2) My brother is "between jobs." Basically, that means the IRS almost caught up with him again for years of tax evasion, and he had to quit and leave quickly. He needs a place to stay. Can I refuse to let him stay in my guest house?

He's family! Of course you should let him stay in the guest house. Just make sure he knows that you'll have to report his presence to your Neighborhood Watch group.

3) I feel so guilty. I make way more than I should, given my career choice, educational level, and experience. Even compared to others in my office, I think I make too much. Should I change jobs?

I'm family! The reason you make so much money is to help support your virtual brother in Paris. I take Paypal...

4) Years ago, I killed a man. I was in his back seat, and stabbed him through the seat on a deserted stretch of highway. Oddly enough, an ear of corn passed through the window just as I was gutting him. The car crashed as soon as I stabbed him. I ran. I was afraid a group of boys I saw would report me, but they did not. The accident was later reported as an accident. Should I track these boys down now to eliminate any witnesses, or just let it go?

They're family! Find the boys, and marry them all. As your spouses, the courts cannot make them testify against you.