Dear Life Kit: My friend kissed me and I liked me. Now he wants to return it! – a public radio in South Carolina

Do you have a question you want to ask anonymously to Dear Life Kit? Share it here. For our next episode, we are looking for your inquiries for crushing or drama in the workplace.

Dear Life Kit is the NPR tips column, where experts answer difficult questions about relationships, social etiquette, working culture and more.

These questions were answered by Meredith Goldsteinauthor Boston GlobeTips column Love lettersand Monica O’NealA clinical psychologist who focuses on relationships. The conversation is edited for length and clarity.

Left: Rose C. Cummings; Right: Alex Ten /

I would take him to his word. If he tells you that he does not want to lose you as a friend, you may need to accept this.

If you need more clarity, ask him, “What happened? What changed? I didn’t even know you were feeling that way. Can you tell me what prompted you to do this?”

Maybe [this situation reveals] That this man is a much better friend and not [have] The type of intimacy we need as partners. As much as it hurts, be grateful to have learned this early. –Monica O’Neal

Just tell your friend, “We are good friends to travel. Let’s maintain our good status as a travel partner without our partners. Let’s plan a trip to girls. ”

If she insists on a family trip, just say, “Travel chemistry is difficult and when we spend so much money on vacation, I want to make sure we have so much fun. I don’t think we have to get involved with the chemistry and the perfect combo we achieve. ”

I would not go into detail that you do not like a spouse. It doesn’t make sense. –Monica O’Neal

Pull it for the rest of your life! This is part of your wonderful memories and maybe part of your not -so -wonderful memories. This is part of you. There are things I have kept since my childhood that I would not give up and certainly I would not throw them away just because they are related to an ex.

After my mother died, I found old wedding photos from my wedding to my father, whom she divorced, and it was wonderful to see the evidence for this relationship. So keep this box. Take it with you like everything else you split from one place to another. Don’t feel weird about it. It’s a good idea to keep things. –Meredith Goldstein

Ask if your loved one is fine. You can say, “Are you happy? Are you enjoying the relationship? What is your joy late?”

Focus on the person you love and less on criticizing someone else. Sometimes you eventually get the necessary information and you want [about the situation]S –Meredith Goldstein

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