Dear Dr. Laura, 

I remember listening to you in L.A. when you were on KFI and thinking, boy is this woman tough and out of touch with what's cool. Isn't it funny how perspectives change, people grow up, and suddenly that "square" advice isn't so square anymore? 

I thought I would share my story, which in spite of doing nearly everything you have advised against, luckily turned out better than I could have ever hoped. 

I met a young lady 29 years ago with whom I became extremely infatuated in. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew I would marry her. Therefore, I decided to take it slow - lunches only - and if we went out in the evenings we always went in a group. A few months later, I had to travel out of the country and she offered to babysit my humble ranch in the mountains outside of L.A. I accepted thinking the snakes and spiders would frighten her home in a day or two, but she stuck it out and enjoyed that lifestyle as much as I did. That did it - I was hooked. So far so good. 

Well, then we did what you so often advise against; we became shack ups. We continued to live together before my career directed me to move east to Nashville. Thank goodness my future wife had the sense to say, "I'm not traveling anywhere as your girlfriend." She was right, of course, as males tend to need a push in the right direction from time to time. I proposed.  We married in Lake Tahoe and moved east to begin our life adventure. 

Over 26 happily married years later she is still the love of my life and our marriage has become somewhat of a role model for our friends here. We have 2 rules:

1. Never go to bed angry.
2. Never say anything you cannot take back.

Just wanted to let you know that we both enjoy your blunt, direct and sound advice you give every day on your show. We ARE working at better following it today. Thanks for all you do and make sure you do plenty of sailing to keep calm. 

Best regards, 

Bill