DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: When my partner and I started going together, we were both into LARPing (live action role playing), although she was always more into it than I was. Now, it’s all she does every weekend and for the past two vacations we’ve had.

This year I want to do a road trip to visit some friends we both have from college, but she just wants to follow the same LARPing festivals we’ve done for, like, forever.

I love her, but I also want a life outside of just one interest. Should I just take my own vacation, or do I pressure her to join me, if for no other reason than to break the spell? --- LEFT IN THE LARPING DUST

DEAR LEFT IN THE LARPING DUST: Any hobby can turn into an obsession, and if you think that’s where your partner’s interests are heading, you might want to openly let her know your concerns, if you haven’t already discussed it with her.

It sounds like it may be time for your partner to do a little compromising, especially if the LARPing she’s into is year-round and you’re just trying to get in a vacation that offers a change of scene and some time with friends. If she pushes back, then by all means make your own plans ─ and follow through with them.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My girlfriend and I have decided to take things to the next level and move in together. She’s all ready to buy a condo or small house, but I want to just rent for a bit. Even though the housing market is really good in our area right now and it is possible we could make some good money on a resale in a couple of years, but I just do not want to get in over our heads right away. Is the potential quick profit worth the risk? --- TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY

DEAR TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY: I’m not a fan of couples who are newly living together investing in real estate right off the bat.

Rent for now, and focus on getting used to life together and socking away some money. If the relationship is solid after a year or two, then, if the market still looks good, it may make sense to start shopping for a place of your own.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: Everyone tells me I should be happy she isn’t covered with tattoos and piercings, but my 17-year-old daughter has recently gotten into this new look. The funky clothes don’t worry me as much as the biker-chick makeup, and what’s with the greasy hair?

I keep telling her heading to college looking like that is going to send out a lot of wrong messages, but she doesn’t want to hear it, and her mom, my ex, says she’s fine with it. I just know what I would have thought about a girl looking like that when I was 19-20, and that’s not how I want my daughter to be taken. Am I wrong here? --- WORRIED DAD

DEAR WORRIED DAD: Sometimes we have to pick our battles, and this may be one of those times.

You’ve made your opinion clear, which is what parents have a right to do. Now, you have to step back and let her do her thing, which is another part of being a parent. If she doesn’t feel like you’re judging her every choice, she’ll be a lot more likely to keep you in her life.