DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: My nervy old girlfriend — the heartbreaker of my younger self — looked me up and came to see me at my work recently. The sudden breakup with her when I was a young guy almost killed me, so I asked her what the heck she wanted with me now.

She said she wanted to apologize for not giving me enough credit when we were younger. Apparently, she didn’t think I was aggressive enough to succeed in business.

I recall from back when we dated that she wanted to be well set up and to have a bunch of kids, so I asked her how that worked out for her. She said financially it’s been good with her children’s dad, but that it wasn’t really a love relationship and it ended recently.

I then asked her a second time what she wanted from me, and she said, “Just one dinner with you like we used to have, and if it isn’t good, I won’t bother you anymore.” I told her I would have to think about it. Lame answer, I know.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: My father had to quit drinking recently, basically to save his life. The problem is he’s naturally a loudmouth, and now that he’s sober, he’s become sulky and quiet without the booze to jack up his mood.

There’s another issue as well. As a fairly close family group, we love to picnic together in the warm weather. But now Dad says he really doesn’t think anybody should drink alcohol at the picnics, now that he can’t partake.

He still definitely wants to continue our family get-togethers. What do you think?

— Frustrated Daughter, West Kildonan

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I have some beautiful tattoo art on my body, and I’m proud of it.

This was always a point of pride between my old boyfriend and me, as we got some of ours done at the same time after lots of planning.

Unfortunately, he and I broke up just over a year ago, and people I have dated since just don’t feel the same way about my ink that was inspired by my ex.

It’s not that I have his initials on my body, so what’s the problem?

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I have the best husband for a first-time pregnant wife. He waits on me hand and foot, and treats me like a delicate princess, which I’m not, at this weight.

What my poor man doesn’t know yet is that I just found out our baby has a womb-mate. We’re expecting twins and he’ll be so shocked. The other shakeup to his system will be that I don’t want to go back to work for the first year after these two arrive. Between the two of us, we make good money and I’ve been saving like crazy, so it’s really not necessary, to my mind. But he really likes our current lifestyle. How should I break the news?

— Pregnant With Twins, East Fort Garry

Dear Pregnant: Maybe hold off on your work decision until after their births and see how things go when you’re at home with the little ones. Some moms with twins thrive with the extra help from their partner, while many — especially first-time mothers — may need more backup during that first year, such as a live-in nanny to help with housework and child care.

MOON ALERT: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The moon is in Leo.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

This is a productive day! Especially if you work with children, in the arts or entertainment world, in the hospitality industry or in a sport-related field. You’ve got lots of energy! However, avoid arguments with others, as they might arise, especially with siblings and neighbours.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I travel solo on airplanes a lot for business. I can afford an expensive, comfortable seat. So, once in a while I end up sitting beside a well-known person I recognize, but I don’t ask questions and bother them. I’m primarily into the “nod and smile” response.

If resting is all they want to do, I just put on my sleep mask.

But I’m wondering if my approach could be all wrong! Is that really a polite way to handle it, or am I just coming off cold? Should I be saying more to show friendliness? Am I possibly missing out on great conversations I could be having with interesting people?

I’m not usually cold or aloof with fellow travellers, but I might appear that way. What do you think?

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I’ve been going up to my cottage to do some renovations and repairs with friends who also have skills. I love to get away from the city. But now my favourite buddy (with the best carpentry skills) has a new girlfriend in his life.

He’s still married to his wife and has two young kids. He says he still loves the mother of his children, but more as a friend.

I didn’t say much, as I don’t want to get in the middle, and I actually like his wife. Also, he’s not the easiest guy to get along with, truth be told.

Now he has asked me if he can use my cabin on a weekday or two when we’re not going to be there building. I told him I didn’t feel comfortable with that and he stopped, mid-hammering. He said he thought we were better friends than that and had figured I would understand.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: My boyfriend, who is eight years older, has invited me to spend a two-week holiday in July at his beautiful cabin — an inheritance from his grandparents. I still live at home, and my “new Canadian” parents, who are ridiculously old-fashioned, have said I can’t go.

I’ve started university, and I’m already 19 and an adult. Plus, I’m on birth control, so I won’t be at risk. My parents don’t know this detail of my love life, but I have been on the pill for almost a year at this point. Should I tell my mom, so she and my dad can loosen up? I really feel the sex thing is my own private business.

I love my guy and he loves me, so I’m joining him at the lake no matter what. If my parents disown me over this, my boyfriend says I can live with him. He wants me to do that already, but hasn’t pushed too hard because he respects my complicated situation. How can I handle my parent in this situation?

— So Upset, West End