<< Have you gained weight since being married or moving in with someone?

Foxy, I’ve not gained a gram in a couple of decades of being entirely single! But yes I bet I would have gained a fair bit had I been in a ‘lationship!

I do recall gaining something when I moved in with someone and then married it, back in the 80s – stress!! And I lost something too – freedom!

I can’t imagine that I could have been happier over the last 21 years in a relationship than I’ve been in blissful singleness!

<< Does being in a permanent relationship mean you're happier, more relaxed, therefore prone to putting on weight? >>

No, I think it means that you are unhappier, less relaxed and therefore prone to putting on weight!

Dear Ludwig,

There are certain benefits to being married,
couples don't have to live chubbily ever
after. If one spouse participates in a
weight-loss program, according to surveys
done, the unenrolled spouse tends to lose
about 5lb. Studies also show that marriage
conveys some health benefits, like living
longer and being more likely to quit smoking.
Eating better, less stress, laughing more
often, having someone to talk to, share things
with, companionship, and so on.

However, I guess its to each his own - whatever
rocks your boat. If you find single life bliss -
That's great. I used to be a bit of a loner,
my parents used to worry about me - because
I seemed to enjoy my own company too much.
That changed when I met my husband.
Now I prefer having someone to share
things with. But, that's not to say that I don't
still do some things on my own -
we all need our own space from time to time.

Do you have any pets?

<< Do you have any pets? >>

No dog or cat. But a family of curlews that live in the back yard which we know as Fred and Maud and the kids Pixie and Waggletooche. Waggletooche appears to be gay! And a butcherbird that comes in and looks forlornly at me through the window for a feed each morning and then taps on the glass if I ignore him. Sometimes he brings the whole family in.

Also a dozen plumed whistling ducks that were here last wet season and have returned to idle their days away just out the back close to the house… & bowerbirds, lorikeets and all sorts of other birds that come in for a bath every day.

Oh and a retired friend as a tenant who looks after the watering of my newly planted native garden through the very long and dry dry season…and um drives me mad every evening ( :>|

He reads OLO voraciously and knows every poster intimately. He worships CJ Morgan and gives Ludwig heaps of flack! Dear o dear!!

Also, good entertaining people at work & friendly neighbours.

Yair so, life’s pretty good, all told.

No need to go hunt for a female of the species. But if she comes along, well good. I’m happy to take it as it comes.

Dear Ludwig,

Your place sounds like the Garden of Eden.
I envy you the range of birdlife.
In my suburban garden - we're somewhat limited -
however there's a park nearby which I frequent
and enjoy.

It sounds like you've found the perfect balance
in your life. I'm happy for you.

Dear dree23,

Psoriasis can make anyone miserable.
I've seen small children suffering from it dreadfully.
They say that sometimes Chinese Herbal Medicine can
help - but I'd go to my GP and get a referral to a
good dermatologist