Mia: Steve's right. You guys need to talk. Maybe you said something that she took the wrong way. Or maybe she's going through a funk that has nothing to do with you. Try to find out, but don't be overly pushy. Some friendships peter out over time, and maybe that's what happened with yours.
Q: I'm a cancer survivor who underwent a double mastectomy a few years ago. I'm feeling strong again and am back at work. At a sales meeting recently, I met a man who I like a lot. We've gone out for drinks and had dinner a few times. I can tell he's interested, but I'm in a panic because he doesn't know about my situation. I'm nervous about telling him; I don't want to scare him off. I mean, he's younger than I am, never been married and has no kids. Why would he want to be with me after all I've been through, when he could be with someone else?
Mia: Think of your surgery scars as signs that you're a survivor - not damaged goods. You stared cancer in the face and won. That makes you fierce on top of being fabulous. To shore up your confidence, reach out to a breast cancer survivor group or get one-on-one help. You need to get your swagger back. If you feel good about your body, I guarantee you he will, too. Good luck!
Steve: If he's interested in you as a person, it won't be a problem. If he's interested in you only because of your looks, you won't be losing anything.
Steve is a 50-something married man who's been around the block. Mia is a younger, recently married woman with an all-together different attitude. They may not agree, but they have plenty of answers. Contact them at S&M@phillynews.com or S&M c/o Daily News, 801 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107.
