Dear Uncle Gary, I told my date I don’t believe in soulmates. She said, ‘That’s so sad.’ Is it? Signed, So Sad Dear So Sad, Not sad. Honest. Believing in soulmates is like believing your perfect ...

Take a moment and a deep breath. Look at your life right now. If nothing changes today, where will you be in ten years? Be honest with yourself. The words that follow are meant to be a wake-up call. Y...

Dear Uncle Gary, My therapist fell asleep during our session. Do I bring it up, or just take the hint? Signed, Mr. Excitement Dear Mr. Excitement, Your therapist fell asleep during your session? T...

Dear Uncle Gary, My best friend just started dating my ex. They say it’s love, but I feel betrayed. Am I being petty, or do I have a right to be upset? Signed Betrayed Dear Betrayed, You’re not be...

Dear Uncle Gary, I’m stuck in a job that pays well but drains my soul. Is it reckless to walk away without a backup plan? Signed, Reckless Dear Reckless, You're absolutely right, it’s not just rec...

I’ve been spending a lot of time lately asking myself how we decide what’s true. Not in the abstract, but in the everyday moments when you open a browser, type in a question, and get an answer in seco...

Hey Uncle Gary, My boyfriend (31M) and I (24F) were talking about age gaps in dating. For context, we met when I was 22, and he was 29, so we have a gap ourselves. Before him, I’d only ever been in a...

Dear Uncle Gary I’m 42, single, and child-free by choice, but my family keeps treating me like I’m unfinished. How do I shut that down without burning bridges? Signed, 42 and single Dear 42 and Sin...

I need your wisdom before I accidentally end up on an HR poster titled “What Not to Do at Work.”

Dear Uncle Gary, I caught my teenager lying about something small. Do I let it slide, or is this the moment to make it a big deal? Signed Concerned Dad Dear Concerned Dad, You’re right to say something. Not because the lie was catastrophic, but because silence teaches just

Hey Uncle Gary, I just started dating a man who has only a couple of close friends. My friends say it's a red flag. Should I be concerned that something is weird about him? Signed, Concerned Dear C...

Dear UncleGary, My best friend just confessed they’re in love with me. I love them too, but not like that. Do I tell the truth or let them believe there’s hope? Signed, Not Feeling it Dear Not Feel...

Dear Uncle Gary, My adult child just came out as trans. I want to be supportive, but I’m terrified of saying the wrong thing. Where do I start? Signed, Confused Dad Dear Confused Dad, Let me start...

AskUncleGary.com, an independent publication launched in 2025 by Gary Domasin, an advice columnist and contributing writer to SoCalMag.com, educator, and supportive uncle you wish you had.

Most young people think that getting older is a decline. It isn’t. It’s a refinement. We’re sold a narrative that aging means becoming less relevant, less desirable, less capable. In reality, what dim...

Take a moment and a deep breath. Look at your life right now. If nothing changes today, where will you be in ten years? Be honest with yourself. The words that follow are meant to be a wake-up call. Y...

My stepmom keeps introducing my husband as my “friend.” Not once, not twice, every time. We’ve been married for over two years, and it’s not like she doesn’t know. She was at the wedding. She’s met hi...

I’m trying to stay professional, but this feels like a sinking ship. Do I stick it out and finish the tour, or cut my losses before the wigs start crawling away?

Mid-hookup, this guy just stops and goes, “Yeah, I think I’m done, your breath stinks.” I was mortified. Like crawl-into-the-earth-and-disappear mortified. I left immediately, didn’t say a word, just ...

I (25F) love my boyfriend (27M). We recently talked about exploring our sexuality, including swinging or threesomes, and admitted we’re both bi-curious. I told him I’d support him if he wanted to expl...

How do I change my image without losing myself?

After seven years of monogamous bliss, my partner Mike, two years older, two inches taller, and apparently two egos too many, decided it was time to “open things up.” Not emotionally. Sexually. To oth...

An advice column for real life, relationships, aging, money, philosophy, and everything in between. Because, wise people seek wisdom, not approval.

My mom (39) is dating her coworker (20). I’m 21, and I’ve actually known him for years; she even tried to set me up with him last summer. We flirted a little, nothing serious, but now he’s her boyfrie...

How do I know if my goals are realistic?

I have a question that feels a little unusual, and I haven’t met anyone, or even heard of anyone, in quite the same situation. Is it normal for me not to orgasm during sex?

I have a question for you, Uncle Gary, My brother treated my mother, father, and sister with the worst malice that would even make Trump look kind. When people I talk to say, "Well, Steve was so kind...

Take a moment and a deep breath. Look at your life right now. If nothing changes today, where will you be in ten years? Be honest with yourself. The words that follow are meant to be a wake-up call. Y...

Get real-world wisdom and personal guidance with Uncle Gary's life advice column on relationships and reinvention.

An advice column for real life, relationships, aging, money, philosophy, and everything in between. Wise people seek wisdom, not approval.

Hey Uncle Gary, I got into a bit of a blowout with my mother-in-law after I asked my husband to run to the store and grab me some tampons last night. Personally, I didn’t think it was a big deal, and...

Dear Uncle Gary, I’m 38, single, and I’ve built a life that looks pretty good on paper. I’ve got a solid job, a decent apartment, a dog who thinks I’m a superhero, and friends who show up when it cou...

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Dear Uncle Gary, What do most people misunderstand about getting older, and what do you wish you had understood sooner? Just turned 40 Dear Just turned 40, Most young people think that getting old...

I’ve been spending a lot of time lately asking myself how we decide what’s true. Not in the abstract, but in the everyday moments when you open a browser, type in a question, and get an answer in seco...

Hey Uncle Gary, My boyfriend (31M) and I (24F) were talking about age gaps in dating. For context, we met when I was 22, and he was 29, so we have a gap ourselves. Before him, I’d only ever been in a...

Dear Uncle Gary, I need your wisdom before I accidentally end up on an HR poster titled “What Not to Do at Work.” I’m happily married, ten years together, two years officially hitched, two kids, and...

Hey Uncle Gary, I just started dating a man who has only a couple of close friends. My friends say it's a red flag. Should I be concerned that something is weird about him? Signed, Concerned Dear C...