Shared running interest a neighbourly icebreaker

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I just moved into a new-to-me house this fall and the man next door is a runner, like me, according to a new neighbour on the other side of. I see him going out running before nightfall all by himself, and I want to ask if I can join him. I hate running by myself when it’s dark at night.

I’m also curious about running in the snowy woods around here this winter and what footwear I’d need and if it makes sense use a headlamp. I have so many questions. Should I just knock on his door and ask, or would he think that’s silly and too forward?

— Shy But Curious, Charleswood

Dear Shy: Big deal what this guy next door thinks of your running questions! New neighbours and friends are great to meet, on any excuse. So, screw up your courage and say hello. This is how you build friendships with new people — discussing similar hobbies and curiosities about them, and talking about the people around you who’d also be good to meet.

The conversation will naturally flow with your mutual interest in running, and him filling you in on the neighbours and the quirks of the territory you now share. Try not to overthink this and just go and knock!

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: About 4 a.m. every night, our littlest boy wakes up, but does not cry. The little monkey just crawls up and over the side of his little kid’s bed, pads down the hall and jumps in with us — good old mom and dad, where it’s warm.

He goes back to sleep instantly and stays until it’s time for breakfast. So much for the great morning sex with my man.

My husband and I are getting so tired of having furtive sex when our kids aren’t around. Help us with some ideas please.

— Couple Doing Without, Fort Garry

Dear Doing Without: Some couples take a tip from teenagers who don’t dare getting caught having sex. After your littlest one is fast asleep — consider a private little sex session elsewhere in the house. Anywhere with a locked door could work— you just don’t want surprises.

Another couple recently wrote to say they had six kids and a wall-to-wall family bed made of two big mattresses. The parents then sneak off in the middle of the night to one of the unused kids’ bedrooms when they want privacy for lovemaking!

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.