Ask Kelli: More Wide Shoes, Asking a Woman Out, & Son Acne

Hi Kelli,
Your answer to the question about shoes was fine -- except for people with double wide feet. Even Richey, even Public Shoe Store in Clarendon, can't help. I'm stuck with New Balance 811s and Ugg boots, not really Kennedy Center attire. I have ordered Drews and P.W. Minors by catalog, and still no luck. I can wear Merrill clogs (European size 38) around the house but am not confident to wear them outside when I may have to do stairs. I'm having a pair of "dress shoes" -- low-heeled pumps -- made by the cobbler on Calvert Street, but even he is on his second try. Do you have any further ideas? I'm not about to go online and keep having to ship back shoes that don't fit; anyway WW or EE choices are very few.

I would appreciate your help.

Signed,
Faithful Reader


Dear Faithful Reader,
I have the perfect solution for you!

1) Zappos (http://www.zappos.com) They carry a great variety of extra wide shoes and it's free shipping both ways! I found a nice selection of WW pumps here: http://bit.ly/5pVmnI
2) Chic Wide Shoes (http://www.chicwideshoes.com) They also offer free shipping but it's one way.
3) Dave's Extra Wide Shoes (http://www.daveswideshoes.com) They offer free shipping over $100.
4) Shoemall (http://www.shoemall.com) They carry a decent selection of WW shoes and offer free shipping one way.

Good luck,
Kelli


Dear Kelli,
In your opinion what is the best way to ask a woman out?

Signed,
Curious


Dear Curious,
The best way, in my opinion, is the way you feel most comfortable. There is nothing sexier than a man with confidence. So asking out a woman the way you feel most at ease will be best for both parties.

But in case you need some more tips: don't discount simplicity. Asking a woman out doesn't have to be a big, long, drawn-out production. "I, uh, I'm thinking that I like you. You're nice and sweet. And kind. Oh and pretty. And I like your sweater. Uh, I think we have, like, chemistry. Yeah, I'm thinking, yeah, maybe, one day, not today exactly because it's a Monday, but sometime, maybe in the future, yeah we could go out." Just say it. "I really enjoy your company. Would you be open for dinner sometime?"

Finally, don't be afraid of rejection. You're pretty much guaranteed no date at all if you don't ask the woman out. So at least by asking her out, you are beating a zero chance.

All the best,
Kelli


Dear Kelli,
My teenage son has horrible acne. I can tell he feels pretty upset about it. We've been to a dermatologist and he's on the proper medicine but I also know it takes time to kick in. I'm wondering if you have any suggestions in the meantime.

Signed,
Helping My Son


Dear Helping My Son,
The teen years in general can be extremely difficult. Throw in an acne issue and it's even more understandable why your son would feel extra isolated and self-conscious.

Here are my thoughts:
1) Share what exactly acne is so your son doesn't blame himself. There are tons of myths about what causes acne (e.g., chocolate or fatty foods) and kids get overwhelmed and confused. Mayo Clinic is a great place to start for a simple explanation: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acne/DS00169
2) Keep reminding your son that his acne will most likely clear up. Often times teens feel this will be a problem for life and they can't foresee it ever going away. In most cases acne is hormonal, so it will most likely dissipate on its own.
3) Tell your son he's not alone. Eighty percent of teens get acne.
4) Encourage your son to join an online acne support group.
Here are some resources that he can check out:
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Acne/support-group
http://teenage-acne.net/forum
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/acnetips/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/acne_support/

All the best,
Kelli