Much Ado About Mommy Dearest

(NOT SO) HOPELESSLY DEVOTED TO YOU MUCH ADO ABOUT MOMMY

DEAR RUTHIE, I’ve been dating a woman for five weeks. I’ve been an DEAREST out-and-proud lesbian for 11 years, but she only came out a few months ago, and I’m the first woman she’s dated. While I like her, and I pursued her pretty aggressively, I’m DEAR RUTHIE, finding our relationship boring. I married a momma’s boy. I knew what I was getting into, but I really don’t have a good time with her anymore, but because I’m her first, she’s totally in love and completely devotI thought I could handle the crazy-tight bond my husband has with his mom. I also thought that bond would weaken as he settled into married life. I was wrong! How can I get my ed to me. I don’t want to break her heart, but things are just man to spend more time with me and give less attention to too boring with her. Any advice? mommy dearest? THANKS, understand? Not-So-Hopelessly Devoted WITH LOVE, A ention Whore

DEAR HOPELESS,

I hate to say it, honey, but this is one of the issues many people face when they’re someone’s first love. Granted, many fall in love for the first time, and that person becomes their soulmate for the rest of their lives; that just doesn’t seem to be the case here, I’m afraid. The way this big-boned redhead sees it, you’ve got three options: 1) Give it another shot by talking to her about how you’d like to see the relationship change; 2) Let her know that things aren’t working for you, and suggest the two of you take a break; or 3) Let her know that this isn’t what you hoped it would be and suggest you part ways permanently. Regardless of the path you choose, ya little heartbreaker, communicate with her in a thoughtful, caring manner. Don’t end things with a text or ghost her. After all, a little communication goes a long way.

DEAR ATTENTION WHORE,

I hate to say it, doll-face, but you knew what you were getting into when you said, “I do.” Remember, you can’t change a man. You can hope he shifts priorities to improve your relationship, but you can’t change him on your own. If sharing your feelings with him isn’t working, consider couples therapy. There, you’ll both learn communication strategies and tools to help you address the awkward umbilical-chord attachment you’re both dealing with.

XXOO

Ruthie

XXOO Ruthie

Have a question for Ruthie? Want to share an event with her? Contact Ruthie at dearruthie@shepex.com. Have a question for Ruthie? Want to share an event with her? Contact Ruthie at dearruthie@shepex.com. Follow her on social media, too! Follow her on social media, too! Facebook: Dear Ruthie | Instagram: RuthieKeester | Twitter: @DearRuthieFacebook: Dear Ruthie | Instagram: RuthieKeester | Twitter: @DearRuthie

Ruthie's Social Calendar Ruthie's Social Calendar

MAY 8

FEBRUARY 5 M&M CLUB REUNION AT TIED HOUSE (124 N. WATER ST.): Once upon a time, ‘RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE’ VIEWING PARTY AT MARY’S CORNER BAR a cabaret bar in the Third Ward provided a safe haven for thousands of folks (734 S. FIFTH ST.): and helped make the Milwaukee LGBTQ+ community what it is today. I’m talking Take in Ru’s new episode alongside your hostess Becky Essence Hall. The about the fabulous M&M Club (currently Tied House). Those were the days, my show starts at 7 p.m. but the bar opens at 5 p.m., so come early to order friends, and it’s time to relive the fun with a 15-year reunion. Meet up with old some of Hamburger Mary’s appetizers, burgers or dessert and get comfy! Enjoy $5 Smirnoff cocktails and $6 Smirnoff Bombs during the show. friends and remember yesteryear during the noon to 6 p.m. party. See you there!

FEBRUARY 5 MAY 15

JUKEBOX BINGO AT WALKER’S PINT (818 S. SECOND ST.): WALKER’S POINT MAKERS MARKET AND BAR HOP (VARIOUS LOCATIONS Looking for something new to do on a Friday? Check out this popular night THROUGHOUT WALKER’S POINT): Shop more than 65 local vendors, crafters where bingo meets “Name that Tune.” Five rounds of fun offer prizes, drink and makers while enjoying an assortment of beers, wines and spirits. The noon to specials, pub trivia and more. The free games start at 7 p.m. Can’t make it 5 p.m. bar hop includes stops at Indeed Brewing, Broken Bat Brewing, Mob Craft on the fifth? No worry! This ladies’ bar hosts bingo every Friday in February. Beer and Great Lakes Distillery, so put on your walking shoes, grab your credit FEBRUARY 9 card and support local artists and brewers. ALL-DAY HAPPY HOUR AT THIS IS IT! (418 E. WELLS ST): Take advantage of this 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. happy hour at one of Milwaukee’s MAY 18 LGBTQ landmarks. Toss down two-for-one specials on all rails and taps FAB (OLDER ADULT) VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP VIA MILWAUKEE LGBT while you get to know the friendly bar staff, meet new people and take a COMMUNITY CENTER: If you’re over 50 and looking to meet people, share break from the work week’s craziness. stories and address issues surrounding mature members of the LGBTQ+ community, you may want to consider this weekly peer group. Facilitated FEBRUARY 12 by the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, the 6-7:30 p.m. online meeting VIRTUAL VALENTINE’S DAY FUNDRAISER AND DANCE PARTY: is easy to access. Simply go to www.meet.google.com/emg-vgwe-nrp to join COVID isn’t going to stop the LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin from having the discussion. some fun and raising donations! The 7 p.m. extravaganza includes music, raffles and other online plans sure to get you moving and grooving in your own home. Visit lgbtsewi.org to get your pass to the Zoom event. MAY 21 NINE LIVES CAT BOWLING TOURNAMENT AT CLASSIC LANES (7501 S. FEBRUARY 12 HOWELL AVE.): Whether you’re a certified cat lady or simply love a little VALENTINE’S RED WINES, CHEESE AND CHOCOLATE ONLINE CLASS: Surprise your Valentine with a wine and chocolate pairing from Milwaukee’s Indulgence Chocolatiers (211 S. Second St.). For $75, you’ll receive pussy, this nine-pin bowling tournament, benefitting Almost Home Cat Rescue, is for you! Save our furry friends when you register a six-person team at 11:30 a.m. before hitting the lanes at noon. Learn more and register online three bottles of wine and enough chocolate and cheese to host a group of at www.almosthomemke.com/9-pin-tap. four. Pick up the kit the day before class, then log on for a fantastic night. The virtual classes are popular, so call 414-223-0123 to reserve your tasting kit before they run out. MAY 27 “FREAKY” DRAG SHOW AT FIVE NIGHTCLUB (5 APPLEGATE COURT, FEBRUARY 17 & 18 MADISON): Drag queen extraordinaire Loretta Love Lee hosts this 10 p.m. show LOVE IS LOVE VIRTUAL LGBT AND ALLIES WEDDING SHOWCASE: The team at the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce helps you plan your in Mad City. Join me and Loretta’s other guests when you reserve a table for $15. Simply email fivetickets@yahoo.com, and I’ll see you in Madison! special day with this online offering. Check out the vendors, suppliers and others who promise to make your wedding shine when you register via the event’s MAY 28 page at wislgbtchamber.com. The cyber showcase runs 4-6 p.m. both days. M.O.B. BEER BUST AT KRUZ (354 E. NATIONAL AVE.): Beer and soda busts are FEBRUARY 24 back at Kruz…and so are the raffle prizes, contests and hot men! The social club NETWORKING ONLINE HAPPY HOUR: Grab a beverage at home and settle in for some virtual elbow rubbing when you attend this monthly happy hour of business owners from the Milwaukee Organized Bears hosts this 3-7 p.m. afternoon of day-drinking, friendmaking and fun. From the poplar patio to the jammin’ jukebox, Kruz is always a good time. Come on down and see for yourself. LGBTQ community. The 4:30-5:30 p.m. social is free and open to all, but you need to register first via wislgbtchamber.comMAY 29 . FEBRUARY 25 BRUNCH WITH THE BRUNCHETTES AT HAMBURGER MARY’S (730 S. FIFTH ST.): I host this fast-paced drag brunch that’s sure to put a smile on your face QUEER BOOK CLUB: and a spring in your step. Take in the craziness while enjoying Mary’s infamous Miss your book club? You don’t have to! This online group offers a great breakfast menu, bloodies and bottomless mimosas. Two shows (noon and 2 p.m.) way to discuss literature and make new friends. The club meets virtually make it a snap to work brunch into your weekend. the last Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., discussing books about social justice, advocacy, personal growth and more. This month’s book is UnMR. AND MISS TRANS USA AT THE PITMAN THEATER, ALVERN GOLLEGE tamed by Glennon Doyle. Shoot an email at queerbookclubwi@gmail.com (3400 S. 43RD ST.): A little bit of Vegas comes to the city with this glamor-fest of to learn how to participate. a pageant. Don't miss the excitement of the 6 p.m. event (the red carpet rolls out at 5 p.m.) When you nab a $27 ticket at www.mrandmisstransusa.ticketleap.com.