DEAR ABBY: I'm wondering if I have an issue or if what concerns me is fairly normal. I am 31 years old and have three daughters, two stepsons, an ex-wife and one current wife.
I have been asked most of my adult life, as I'm sure most people have, "Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?" For some reason, I can't figure out how to answer this question. There are many variables at play, and many lives would be affected by my pursuing what I want in five to 10 years. I can't say I'm going to be "here doing this in five years" because I have no idea what might change.
Do I need professional help? It upsets my wife when she wants to talk about the future and I can't give her an answer. -- CONFUSED ABOUT THE FUTURE
DEAR CONFUSED: Some people use the question of "where will you be ..." as a method of setting goals. What your wife may really be asking is, "Are you satisfied with things as they are now, and if not, what changes do you intend to make?" If that's the case, it might be illuminating to ask her what changes she would like you to make.