Hi everyone! First of all, I would like to introduce myself and my new weekly advice column. You guys are, hopefully, going to be confiding some very difficult problems to me and I feel that it’s only fair if it went both ways. I will be upfront and tell you right away that this advice column is going to mirror my very idealistic views. I’ve always been pegged as a “Charlotte” among my Sex and the City friends and someone even recently posted an article titled “The Optimism Bias” on my Facebook because it reminded them of me.

I have an optimistic view of the world not because my life has always been super-peachy, but because I find life much more enjoyable when you’re positive and willing to take chances. I’ve gone through my share of tribulations. I didn’t grow up with my father present (he’s not dead, just halfway around the world), I had a tumor when I was just seventeen, and definitely experienced my fair amount of rejections. I am also going to admit that I’ve been amazingly blessed with supportive friends and parents that are willing to sacrifice a lot for me. I guess what I am trying to say is that I am person, just like all of you. I have problems, just like all of you. I ask people for advice, just like what I hope you will do.

Let's make a promise to each other right now. I promise that I am not going to judge you but instead just offer up an alternative perspective to your unique situation. I promise that by asking for advice, you will feel better because you will realize that you are not alone. Your problems are solvable. I might not be the one to give you the perfect advice that will be the magical solution to everything, but I will be helpful to the best of my abilities. I promise to show compassion and tough love when I feel like you need it.

All you’ve got to promise is to be honest with me. State your problem, with facts and nothing misleading.

I look forward to communicating with some of you guys! Submit your questions here or in the comments box!

Sincerely,

Sammi