DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: I started taking a spin class two nights a week, when my husband is home to cover the kids. It’s a nice group of women, most of them my age and also with young children.

We often go for coffee after the class, which is usually a nice bonus. Sometimes though, they get on my nerves when the topic of my being home fulltime comes up. There’s only one other woman in the group who’s also taking time out to raise her family, and we get lectured on how we’re giving up so much, especially since they say it’ll be nearly impossible for us to make up for this lost time in our careers.

Honestly, I wish they would shut up when they get started with that s

t. I feel like I am having the time of my life being home with my kids while they’re doing all the awesome firsts I would be missing if I were in an office all day. The women like to talk about the difference they’re making in the world, and I think, “Fine for them.” The difference I want to make is in my family’s world, and why don’t they see that’s what works for me? They’re missing out on so much they’ll never know, and I’ve been in their world, and am happy to be where I am now. --- IN THE MINORITY

DEAR IN THE MINORITY: You and your classmates are engaged in an old debate, and one that neither side is likely to ever win. You’re all doing what’s right for each of you, and looking back on these times, five will get you ten you’ll all find things you could-of, should-of done differently. That’s just human nature.

For now, let them talk. You know what’s working for you, and if you’re happy on your path, that’s what matters.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My little sister has always been one of my closest friends. Whenever I start seeing someone new, or go through a breakup, have issues at work, or anything like that, she is usually the first one I tell. But she is also super close to our mom, and a lot of the time I tell my sister something, it makes it to our mother, which I don’t always want to happen. Once our mother hears about something, she gets on my case, and then I end up fighting with her and being mad at my sister.

I want to stay close with my sister, and she often gives me really good advice, but how do I make sure all my news isn’t instantly shared with my mom? --- MY SISTER’S A BLABBERMOUTH

DEAR MY SISTER’S A BLABBERMOUTH: The obvious solution is that if you don’t want your mother to know your business, keep it to yourself. However, since you value your sister’s counsel, the next most obvious solution is to make it completely clear to her that what you tell her is for her ears only when it’s something you truly don’t want spread around.

If option two doesn’t work because your sister isn’t honoring your wishes, then you’re left with little choice but to follow option one. Perhaps she’ll grow tired of being left out of the loop. Then hopefully she’ll get the message, and you’ll be able to rely on her discretion as well as her advice.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: An older man and his dog moved into my building a few weeks ago. His little terrier is more like a terror! Whenever the dog is in the community dog park, he chases and snarls at any other dogs, and a couple times one of the other dogs has reacted as dogs will do. Then the man gets all crazy that the owners of the other dogs can’t control their “beasts” and that they shouldn’t be allowed to have their dogs around other pets, and stuff like that. He has even put in official complaints to the management company about animals and owners who have been here for years and NEVER had any problems.

I don’t personally have a dog, but my daughter and I like to include a stop near the dog park when we go out for walks so she can see the “doggies.” We were there when one of the dog fights almost broke out, and the old guy was yelling and the woman with the other dog was in tears. It was horrible and really scared my daughter.

Now more of my neighbors with dogs have given up using the dog park out of concern that the man with the terrier will show up and cause trouble.

Why do people with dogs they know can’t get along with other dogs insist on putting them in the same place as those other dogs? --- DON’T GET IT

DEAR DON’T GET IT: Sometimes dog owners are like those parents who, no matter how poorly behaved their children are, think their kids are pillars of perfection in an imperfect world. My guess is your neighbor with the terrier is that kind of owner.

I’m hoping for the sake of the rest of the dog park users that the management company, HOA, or whatever organization governs the use of the park will take note that the newcomers appear to be the problem and work toward a solution before an owner or pet gets seriously injured — or worse.