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al FRESCOAny place can throw out a few tables and chairs and claim it’s got an “outdoor café”. Those of us who wait all winter for al fresco dining experiences expect a bit more than a seat on the sidewalk next to a bus stop, or tucked between the street and the garbage dumpsters. We want someplace with style, with class with a view, whether that be of a beautiful skyline or some hot bodies passing by.

Here is our selection for the 20 best outdoor dining locations in Chicago and one honorable mention, not in any particular order...

Bistro Campagne4518 N. Lincoln 773.271.6100

www.bistrocampagne.comThe French bistro’s dining room is tiny, which makes getting a table hard to get, but its patio/garden is huge, beautiful and romantic as all get out, making it worth the wait for a table on busy nights. Classics with unforgettable flavors. There isn’t a bad thing on the menu, but the classics; onion soup, steamed mussels steamed, roast chicken and steak frites are

exactly what they should be.

Boka1729 N. Halsted 312.337.6070

www.bokachicago.comBefore they started their restaurant empire, Kevin Boehm, Rob Katz and Chef Giuseppe Tentori created this incredible restaurant with one of the

most beautiful patios in the city.

Brasserie 54 by LM 5420 N. Clark773.334.9463.

www.brasserie54.com

Casual French food at great prices tastes even better on the airy patio and almost makes up for the sometimes brusque

service.

Chicago Diner3411 N. Halsted773.935.6696

www.veggiediner.comThe food is good enough that even non-vegetarians enjoy it (seriously, try the gyros). The service is as haphazard as you would expect looking at the staff. The back patio is not the most beautiful in the city, but it’s conveniently located and has free parking (after 6:00 p.m. during the week and all day on

weekends.)

Club Lucky1824 W. Wabansia 773.227.2300

www.clubluckychicago.comYeah, w eknow what we said about tables lined up on the sidewalk next to the street, but at Club Lucky, and this place hasn’t recreated the cocktail culture, Rat pack look of the ’50s it’s just kept it that way, as it originally was. Old school Italian-American fare that totally rocks. If you’re kid-phobic wait until

later in the evening to dine.

Crew 4804 N. Broadway773.784.2739

www.worldsgreatestbar.com Okay, I know this breaks the very rule we set up for this piece, the tables are on the sidewalk and there’s a bus stop no more than 20 feet from the tables. But, with the hot gay jocks the frequent this gay sports bar and surprisingly good food, this proves the adage that “Rules are made to be broken.”

The Dock at Montrose Beach200 W. Montrose Harbor 773.704.8435

www.thedockatmontrosebeach.com

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It’s on the beach with views of the skyline north and south and water as far as the eye can see. The fact that the food’s pretty decent is a bonus. You’ll feel as if you are in a tropical vacation spot (until you hear those Chicawgo accents).

Enoteca Roma2146 W. Division 773.772.7700

www.enotecaroma.comRome native Letizia Sorano and her son Fabio have recreated a bit of Roma on the patio behind their double-storefront space in Wicker Park, a much better option than the street-side

tables.

Hamburger Mary’s5400 N. Clark 773.784.6969

www.hamburgermaryschicago.comGrab a table along the west end of the patio of you want some semblance of quiet, or go full throttle with all the action on the east side with a view of Andersonville in full view. What can we say, we’re a sucker for Hamburger Mary’s big ol’ slabs of beef.

Halsted’s3441 N. Halsted773.348.9696

www.halstedschicago.comWe love pub food anytime, but somehow it tastes better on patio. Find it tucked away behind the restaurant.

The Edge Bar & Grill2720 N. Clark St. 773.929.0724

For those who love the Golden Nugget service and their variety of menu choices, then you will be pleasantly surprised with all that The Edge has to offer. Not only do they have a great

expansive menu selection, but they are also are open 24 hours and serve a full array of beer, wine, cocktails and spiked coffee drinks. Inside or out on the patio, you’ll find what you are looking for here.

Kuma’s Corner2900 W. Belmont 773.604.8769

www.kumascorner.comThe quaint beer garden offers a relaxed break from the heavy metal music in the bar and triples the number of tables, making it possible to get a table once in a while. Love the burgers that can be topped with anything you can imagine (and a few things you can’t). As a plus for healthy folks you can sub a chicken breast or veggies burger for beef in any combo.

Las Maňanitas3523 N. Halsted 773.528-2109

Killer Margaritas, classic Mexican fare, cute servers and a view of Halsted’s lively action. What more could you ask for? Well, how about reasonable prices? Yep, they’ve got that too.

Little Goat Diner 820 W. Randolph312.888.3455

www.littlegoatchicago.comEverything you’d expect of a diner, such as breakfast available all day, but on a roof-top deck with a great view. As an added bonus, it’s easier to get a table here than at Stephanie Izard’s other spot, Girl & the Goat.

Mon Ami Gabi2300 N. Lincoln Park West773.348.8886

www.monamigabi.comClassic bistro fare done to perfection. Service is friendly and knowledgeable and the intimate patio tucked away behind hedges is a joy.

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Piccolo Sogno464 N. Halsted312.421.0077

www.piccolosognorestaurant.comLong regarded as the most beautiful dining patio in Chicago. It’s expensive so order a few apps and a pizza along with some wine and enjoy.

Sumi Robata 702 N. Wells 312.988.7864

www.sumirobatabar.comThe tiered wooden decks are landscaped with Japanese red maples in a traditional Japanese Zen garden tended to by chef Gene Kato. The patio only seats 20, so get there early to snag a table.

Taverna 750750 W. Cornelia 773.904.7466

www.taverna750.comCocktails and serviceable Italian small plates make this a place to sit and watch the world of men on Halsted sail by.

Terzo Piano159 E. Monroe 312.443.8650

www.terzopianochicago.comSure this patio atop the Modern Wing of the Art Institute is a tourist trap, but where else can you get a bird’s eye view of Millennium Park and Tony Mantuano’s fabulous cuisine.

III Forks Prime Steakhouse180 N. Field 312.938.4303

www.3forks.comWe normally wouldn’t consider including a national chain, but the chic roof deck is awesome. The food is over-priced and not as good as it should be, so relax over cocktail, which are equally high-priced but quite large.

Honorable MentionGene’s Sausage Shop & Delicatessen4750 N. Lincoln 773.728.7243 www.genessausageshop.comThis European-style grocery store is a prime spot to pick up house-made sausages and imported bottled beers. Head up to “Gene’s Bier Garden” on the third-floor roof, where long picnic tables and four taps add to the German beer-garden setting.

Nacho Mama’s Burrito BarOsterman Beach, Hollywood and LSD773.878.1183www.nachomamaschicago.comThe menu is limited (nachos and burritos) but the variations on the theme are impressive, including vegetarian version. How can you go wrong with yummy food and yummy men to look at, on the gayest beach in Chicago?

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HAPPY DAYSAnybody who grew up in the ‘40s or ‘50s (or has watched Happy Days) knows wanted to eat at a drive-in restaurant. After all, what could be more fun than sitting in your car and having a waitress (often on roller skates) takes your order? Those who have only experienced the drive through window and have never experienced the joy of having a tray containing your meal clipped to your car’s window can relive that nostalgic feeling at one of these few remaining restaurants featuring car hops. They may not be in a starched uniform or on roller skates, but it’s still a unique experience.

Dog ‘n’ SudsThis franchise operation started in the 1950s in Champaign, IL as a hot dog and root beer stand. In addition to free-standing restaurants and concessions, a number of locations operate throughout the Midwest as true drive-ins. There are a number of drive-in locations in the area including; 454 Center in Grayslake, 517 Washington in Ingleside, 11015 Hwy. 12 N in Richmond, 1421 Harlem in Loves Park, 401 Sagamore Pkwy. West Lafayette, and 5224 E. Indiana Beach Rd. in IN.

Superdawg, In May of 1948, Superdawg was opened at the corner of Milwaukee and Devon

and continues to be family owned and operated in the same location today. An additional location 11 miles north on Milwaukee in Wheeling was opened in 2010. The menu consists of burgers, hotdogs, fries, milk shakes and sundaes (with a grilled cheese thrown in for the vegetarians). Of course, you can buy a T-shirt with the Superdawg logo (BTW the characters are Maurie and Flaurie, named after the place’s founders, who are still around today.)

A&W Root BeerWhile most of the A&W locations have gone to drive-through model, one location, 3751 S. 27th in Franksville, WI, right off I-94 still has car-hops. In addition to the terrific draft root beer (the diet version still comes in cans) you can get some awesome fried cheese curds. If you can overlook the bibles in the reading rack, this is a great place.

Jay’s Drive In107 W. Washington in Oregon, IL has a great dining room as well, all done up ‘50s kitsch, stop in to see it after you have the bellhop bring the food to your car.

Rand Red HotsAll right, the ‘50s style diner at 441 Rand Rd. in Des Plaines doesn’t have carhops, but the décor and vibe are so 1950s, I’m willing to overlook it. Especially because they’ve got the best fries I’ve ever tasted.

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HERE wE gO!By Parker Carr

What New in 2014 Autos?The 2014 automotive market is a one of extremes. The return of gas guzzling “muscle cars” is balanced by the emergence of even more fuel efficient cars, as well as a number of new hybrids and all electric cars. The 2014 market certainly offers something for everyone. Here is a quick glimpse of the most notable new offerings.

The Acura ILX, with a base price of $26,795 is positioned as the gateway to the Acura brand. Variety is key, with three power-train options. Acura’s new text messaging function, which works when a smartphone is connected via Bluetooth, helps drivers keep their eyes on the road.

The BMW compact hatchback i3, made of lightweight yet super-strong carbon fiber, is BMW’s first all-electric car. Its range is said to be around 100 miles, and anxious drivers can add a small motorcycle-like gasoline engine that extends the EV to 190 miles. The i3 is expected to go on sale late in 2013 for about $45,000.

The 2014 Toyota Corolla is longer and sits lower than previous designs, with a sculpted, athletic look that’s much closer to a sports car than the workhorse it replaces.. It starts around $18,000 with an automatic transmission. An eco version should get more than 40 miles per gallon on the highway. Toyota’s most popular car has been the Prius, now with five different versions available, including an all-electric version. This year’s models all sport Lexus-influenced designs.

The Cadillac ELR, based on the same plug-in hybrid power train as the Chevrolet Volt, has proportions and a stance to rival a Lamborghini. Like the Volt, the ELR is expected to get 38 miles per charge before a gasoline engine kicks in. It may not be available until later in 2014.

The red-hot Subaru fourth generation of the popular Forester, is longer, lower, and wider than its predecessor, with more room for passengers and cargo.

The 2014 VW Golf is longer and wider than its predecessor and 220 pounds lighter, thanks to the use of weight-saving components and high-strength steel. VW it at the Frankfurt auto show in October, but the U.S. will have to wait another seven months before the Golf makes it to the U.S.

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The 2014 Corvette Stingray is entirely new, but familiar cues surface. The distinct, flowing, aerodynamic exterior with a sleek fastback finish is available as a coupe or convertible. A Gen V small-block 6.2-liter pushrod V-8 gets 26-mpg.

While the Ford C-Max has changed little from the 2013 model, its fuel economy, combined with superb gas mileage; stylish interior; responsive handling; quick acceleration compensate for less cargo space than rival vehicles.

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BOI’S BEST RESTAURANTSAMERICAN___________

The Bagel 3107 N. Broadway 773.477.0300 The quintessential Jewish style deli is the perfect spot for a corned beef or pastrami sandwich, some chicken soup, lox and bagels or a full dinner.

Chicago Diner 3411 N. Halsted 773.935.6696 This world famous vegetarian restaurant offers vegan and organic offerings. Organic beers, wine, and spirits are also available.

Byron’s Hot Dogs 1017 W. Irving Park Rd. 773.281-7474 1701 W. Lawrence 773.271-0900. The place for classic Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and the best French fries this side of paradise

Golden Nugget Family Restaurants 2720 N. Clark 773.929.0724. 2406 W. Diversey 773.252.8903. 1765 W. Lawrence 773.769.6700. A great option for after bar dining as they are all open 24-7, and have free parking. Everything is housemade, known for fluffy buttermilk pancakes.

Halsted’s Bar & Grill 3441 N. Halsted 773.348.9696 This Boystown eatery serves up a wide array of tasty appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and popular comfort food items at very reasonable prices in a fun and inviting atmosphere.

Hamburger Mary’s 5400 N. Clark 773.784.6969. “Eat, Drink and be... MARY” at this fun and popular Andersonville restaurant which features a array of burgers and sandwiches, along with an interesting selection of tasty appetizers.

Horizon Café 3805 N. Broadway 773.883.1565. This long-time popular Lakeview family restaurant serves up big portions of creative homestyle dishes as well as healthy fare at affordable prices. Breakfast served all day long.

Kit Kat Lounge 3700 N. Halsted 773.525.1111. Providing the best of diva entertainment along with a full dinner menu,

Philly’s Best 907 W. Belmont 773.525.7900. Authentic Philly cheese steak sandwich. Their meat is brought directly from Philadelphia. Also, medium crust pizza, oven baked grinders & fresh salads.

ASIAN__________________

Jitlada Thai House 3715 N Halsted | 773.388.9988 This quaint family-owned eatery features Asian favorites such as Pad Thai, pineapple fried rice, crab rangoon, pot stickers, tempura and spice curry.

ITALIAN_________________

Anna Maria Pasteria 4400 N. Clark 773.506.2662. Owned by sisters who hail from the Basilicata region of southern Italy, this neighborhood gem creates homemade modern and traditional Italian dishes that are authentic & delicious.

Mia Francesca 3311 N. Clark 773.281.3310. Hosting the coolest and hippest Sunday brunch crowd in Lakeview. Brunch here is loud, raucous and FUN! Great for dinner, as well.

Panino’s Pizzeria 3702 N. Broadway 773.472.6200. Panino’s has established itself as a Boystown favorite with its varied menu selections, including gyros and burgers, pasta entrees.

Piehole Pizza 3477 N. Broadway 773.525.8888 and their new location at 5001 N. Clark. From their hole to yours. Traditional pizza served in untraditional ways. 773.525.8888. Their “hole” is open Sunday-Thursday from 11am-midnight and Friday & Saturday until 3am. Grab it and go or have it delivered.. Delivering until late at night.

MEDITERRANEAN____

Gyro-Mena 905 W. Belmont 773.935.2600. Augments the Athenian Gyros by satisfying the American desire to pick our own toppings! True Athenian Gyros is a choice of all natural non-ground meat (pork or chicken) stacked and cooked on a rotisserie.

Sayat Nova 157 E. Ohio 312.644.9159. Classic Mediterranean-American fare served in comfortable surroundings Every Thursday night things get extra gay for the “Boystown in Downtown” party.

MEXICAN/LATIN__________

El Mariachi 3906 N. Broadway 773.549-2932 and at 3420 N. Broadway 773.549-7020. Quickly becoming one of the very best Mexican restaurants in the city, the focus is on using fresh, high-quality ingredients for its “south of the border” cuisine. Full bar featuring over 100 brands of tequila.

Las Mananitas 3523 N. Halsted St. 773.528.2109.Traditional & regional Mexican dishes along with freshly squeezed limes for margaritas. Nice place to eat, drink and window watch people on Halsted St. Has a full bar & plenty of hardy dishes to satisfy any appetite. Serving the community for over 28 years.

More at www.boiMAGazineChicago.com Dining Link

RESTAURANTS

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JIM BENNETT

by Gregg Shapiro

As Jim Bennett puts it, he “works to advance the gay agenda as the Midwest Regional Director of Lambda Legal.” Bennett helped to bring marriage equality to neighboring Iowa and now works tirelessly to do the same in Illinois. A graduate of Second City’s conservatory program and a 2013 Moth Storytelling GrandSlam winner, Bennett regularly writes and performs comedy, as a member of the GLBT sketch comedy troupe GayCo, and independently.

When did you come out and what was the experience like for you?I came out in 1993 while I was working at the Red Cross downstate and finishing my Masters at UIS. (University of Illinois - Springfield). I came out to two close friends over Christmas break and we drove up to Sidetrack for New Year’s Eve. It was my first time in a gay bar and at midnight I kissed my first guy with Barbara Streisand’s Funny Girl on all the screens, with drag queens doing synchronized performances on top of every bar. It was the most perfect night I think I’ve ever had.

Please name five of your GLBT heroes and say a few words about why you chose them.Rev. Greg Dell - my minister at Broadway United Methodist Church when I first moved to Chicago. He’s a force for justice and was a force in my own life helping to shape my faith, better direct my social justice activism, led me to meet my partner Terry Vanden Hoek and he also taught me how to make the perfect martini.

Camilla Taylor - my colleague at Lambda Legal. Camilla is the national marriage project director and I’ve worked alongside her both in Iowa and Illinois. She is uncompromising, brilliant and funny.

Vernita Gray - Chicago activist. I met Vernita soon after I arrived in Chicago. She has helped me understand both the history and diversity of our community here in Chicago; she’s completely tireless and one of the best people to hang out with.

Paul Monette - author/AIDS activist - I read all of his books before I had the courage to come out. I was blown away by his ability to put words to his coming out story and his defiant courage, while battling AIDS, at a time when our government ignored and betrayed us.

Ellen DeGeneres - she had the courage to come out at the top of her career. Her decision to risk it all and be true to herself was beautiful. Ultimately, though, I love her because she’s funny and there’s few attributes more important than humor.

What do you consider to be your most significant contribution to the GLBT community in Chicago and at large?I’m most proud of my sketch comedy writing and performing with GayCo (a little gay spinoff from Second City). My most significant contribution, I hope, will be what I’ve accomplished through Lambda Legal as the Midwest Regional Director. Helping Illinois achieve full marriage equality. My contribution is a work in progress and there’s much more to be done for all of us to be truly equal.

What are your future goals and aspirations? I’d like to create a sitcom that gets selected for a pilot and then gets picked up and then runs for at least 7 years and then goes into syndication. It’s also my retirement plan.

Words of wisdom to the next GLBT generation. Apply moisturizer daily. Time is a cruel mistress.

CHICAgO SPOTLIgHT

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by Gregg Shapiro

A stage tale of troubled families and a true-life story musical about gay servicemen in World War II, took home top honors Monday, June 3, at Park West during the 40th Annual Non-Equity Jeff Awards ceremony recognizing excellence in non-union Chicago theatre.

“Under A Rainbow Flag” by Leo Schwartz and produced by Pride Films and Plays, a new musical based on the real experiences of Evanston resident Jon Phillips and following the lives of four gay servicemen during World War II, was honored for New Work and for Best Production-Musical. The Den Theatre’s “City of Dreadful Night,” an atmospheric hard-boiled tale of city crime, claimed three awards, with Mikey Moran receiving the award for Original Incidental Music, Henry Behel for Scenic Design and Cat Wilson for Lighting Design.

The Jeff Award for Costume Design went to Kate Setzer Kamphausen for “Sexy Baby” at Hell in a Handbag Productions.

Circle Theatre’s “When the Rain Stops Falling,” a searing story of two troubled families spanning time over an 80-year stretch, garnered three awards: Kevin Bellie for Projection Design, John Gawlik for Direction of a Play, and the award for Best Production, Play for the 2012-2013 season.

The awards recognized 120 nominees in 25 categories from 45 productions, and ultimately honored 26 recipients from 17 theatres with awards celebrating excellence in all aspects of Chicago Non-Equity theatre.

The Jeff Awards has been honoring outstanding theatre artists annually since established in 1968. Originally chartered to recognize only Equity productions, the Jeff Awards established the Non-Equity Wing in 1973 to celebrate outstanding achievement in non-union theatre.

THEATER SCENEGay-Themed Works Sweep Non-Equity Jeff Awards

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Gay-Themed Works Sweep Non-Equity Jeff Awards

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NEWS You CAN uSENot only has Sidetrack gotten a major face lift (a gal’s gotta do that after 30+ years, you know) but, they’ve also shaken up their programming schedule, instituting two new nights. Tuesdays will now be devoted to divas, all the gal singers we all love, while Wednesdays will be all about the dudes. Not only do the regulars need to get used to facing a different direction to yell at the screen, now they’ve got two new nights to deal with! It’s a seismic shift in the universe folks… Speaking of new nights, Circuit’s got a couple of them as well. Thursdays will now be La Noche Loca (not to be confused with Sunday’s Noche Latina) and they’ve also got Saturday Night Fever.

GoIN’ To THE CHAPELThe Civil Rights Agenda will host a cocktail hour at Downtown bar on Friday, July 12. Stop by to learn about the current status of the marriage equality bill and the group’s strategy to move forward. For $10 at the door, you get two free drinks and the proceeds will go to help The Civil Rights Agenda. .. Meanwhile another organization is hosting “This Is Not Over:, a march on Saturday, July 13, at 1:00 on the northeast corner Michigan and Congress.

BIG HEARTS AND SoRE BuTTSThe Ride for AIDS Chicago takes place the weekend of July 13 and 14. After a 200-mile, two-day trip into Wisconsin and back, some of those folks may need some TLC to their private places. ... Speaking of sore butts, start doing those squats. The Ram is having its “Hottest Bare Butt” contest on July 26.

… While we’re on the subject of sore parts, there are going to be some serious drag toes at @mosphere on Sunday, July 14, as a plethora of drag queens take part in a salute to gay icons. Angelique Munro, Miss Sassy Trade, and many others perform at the fund raiser for The Legacy Walk. … Down the street at Hamburger Mary’s, with Velicity Metropolis is hosting the “Gong Show” cabaret up in Mary’s Attic. It’s only $3 for well cocktails and domestic bottles… GLAAD Chicago’s 3rd anniversary celebration on Tuesday, July 16, will feature actor and GLAAD activist Wilson Cruz (“My So Called Life,” “Noah’s Arc”). It free and takes place at the 16th Floor Pub, 250 S. Wacker.

SuMMER RERuNS BoRING You?Stop by Crew any Monday night for Pub Stumpers trivia. Get a team together and you could win a $50 bar tab. While you’re playing enjoy some half-priced chicken wings… There’s going to be a paintball party at the Aragon on Saturday the 13th… Amy Armstrong has become a thespian. She and her partner in crime, Freddie Allen are performing at Noble Fool Theater through July 31… Dust off your rubber gear and head over to Touché the weekend of July 19-21 for a whole lot of Mr. International Rubber fun... The second gayest event that weekend is the Vintage Garage Sale in Uptown on Sunday, July 21 at 5051 N. Broadway, when vintage stores from all over the city gather for a huge sale.

...ON THE GOIN THE kNOw

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upset in uptownOne of my friends got out of a bad relationship about a year ago. She was having an affair with a married woman. That relationship lasted for four years and the entire time she was in it, she was miserable. I was her shoulder to cry on, the person she’d go to for support. She has started a new relationship with another woman (an open lesbian this time) and I am very happy for her. Her new girlfriend seems very nice. Now my friend has almost completely disappeared. She is never available to get together and when she does make plans, she invariably breaks them, I suspect to be with her girlfriend. I’ve included her girlfriend in whatever plans we have. Am I wrong to feel like I’ve been used?

Dear uu, You most certainly are not wrong to feel used. Your friend has used you. However, (not to sound like Dionne Warwick) that’s what friends are for. On the other hand, your friend isn’t being very respectful of you and you do have the right to be upset about that. You don’t mention how long her new relationship has been going on. If it’s just a month or two, I would cut her some slack. When people first fall in love they do tend to get a little couple-centric. After a while though, she should be returning to her social circle. At that point you are perfectly entitled to express your feelings of neglect. Your friend may not even realize what she’s been doing. Love is blind! All this is assuming that her new girlfriend is not the possessive type, in which case, then you would have a whole other set of problems.

Exhausted in Edison ParkI love my husband dearly, but he’s such a drama queen! If the mail arrives late he begins ranting and raving about the inefficiency of the post office. Minor

problems, like misplacing his keys engender the kind of reaction you’d expect of something major, like a car accident. We’ve been together for five years and I’ve tried to tell him he’s over-reacting, but that just sets him off again. What can I do to make him realize what a drama queen he is?

Dear EEP,Nothing. If he is truly aware of how he’s over-reacting (and it seems like he does) and his behavior hasn’t changed , he’s not going to. The best you can do is react calmly or not at all. If there’s no response to his outbursts, they may become less frequent because there is no audience, but I wouldn’t count on it. Behavior like this is usually deeply rooted in his upbringing as a child. I’d be willing to bet that one or both of his parents are the same way. You either have to learn to live with it or if you can’t deal with it, then get out of the relationship, it will only get worse for you.

Caught in the Parent TrapMy 81 year-old father moved to Florida soon after my mother died. He seems very happy in his senior’s community and has made many friends. He has had four heart surgeries and is on oxygen, but still manages to go to the pool and play golf every day. I am very happy that he has found a life he enjoys so much. However, about once a year, he has an “episode” of some sort and is rushed to the hospital. That means either my sister or I have to fly down to Florida. We wouldn’t mind doing this, but every time it turns out to be something relatively minor, like taking the wrong meds. If I don’t go down, I feel guilty, and if I do, I feel like I’m playing in to his game.. What can I do?

Dear CIPT,Find a friend of his that you can trust and contact to give you a true assessment of the situation when they occur. Other than that, it seems as if you and your sister will have to share the burden of going down to check on him. It’s either that, or take a chance that he’s going to be okay, and at his age, that could be a litte risky.

...SEX & RELATIONSHIP ADVICEASk ACE

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