In writing a marriage and sex column, I'm constantly finding the balance between relating to my audience in a public way and keeping parts of my life private. (Emphasis on the "private" and "parts".) If I say too much, people comment that I have no shame. If I don't say enough, I'm lambasted for being fake, elitist or stuffy.

After almost 3 years of syndication at Shine, I've found a balance I'm genuinely happy with. If someone doesn't like my Good Housekeeping column, they don't have to read it. If they enjoy it, and many of you do, I am honored that you keep coming back for more, as well as your positive and honest responses. (I especially love hearing from you via email. Please write me at

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As evidenced in this last post, some of you never learned the art of graciousness. I did indeed, as you pointed out, make a few typos. You'd have thought the world was coming to an end!

It didn't bother me that some of you didn't like my "how I met my husband" story. (Newsflash: I didn't misspell the word "Meet" in the title "My Piece of Meet." It's a double entendre. Sorry if that slipped past ya.)

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It doesn't bother me if you don't care for my writing style. I can completely see how my voice might not appeal to everyone.

It never ceases to amaze me, however, how insanely rude commenters can be. It's as if some of you don't think I ever read this.

Or worse, you don't care. There are no filters. No thoughts. Just animalistic responses (often in worse English than I was being chastised for) to some small offense.

On an even sadder note about how small-minded people can be, if one person makes a ridiculous knuckle-dragging response, it's as if a torch is waved for all sheep to baaaah even louder.

Is this what our world is coming to? Is this why 50% of our marriages fail? Is there no room for error? No room for the occasional mistake? Are we all so ADHD "Rat going after the cheese" Pavlov-dog oriented that we can't stand back for a second, process what we don't like (or understand) and write about it in an intelligent way?

Again, I'm not saying you have to love my stuff. And truthfully, it's not any skin off my back if you think I'm an idiot. But for the sake of your relationships, your children and the public in general, I'm urging everyone to take a step back before they talk and post.

In closing, I am not perfect. A few years back I got into a terrible fight with someone and lashed out in some verbal ways I am not proud of. It's something I vow to never do again.

And for all you out there who find it easier to point out flaws - not just my writing but in everyone you meet - I urge you to take a moment and think how you can grow into a more enlightened human being. What response could you give to change the situation in a positive way?

Thanks for listening. I apologize in advance for any typos in this post. It just so happens that I am raising a family who needs me. Occasionally I let a comma slip in favor of a hug for my children, a glass of water for my spouse, and cup of coffee for myself.

Until the weekend, let's all use our nice words, shall we?

What do you think?