Caroline's got a problem in her marriage. Her husband, we'll call him Jay, is obsessed with motorsports. Now that may sound a bit trivial - you're probably thinking, "lots of Aussie males are sports mad; How can that hurt a...
This week's Second Opinion dilemma is all about helping a friend in need. It comes from Karina, who's concerned about her friend Ally.Ally's marriage is in a mess. Her husband has an addiction to pornography; it's been going on for...
This week's Second Opinion dilemma comes from Antonia. She's currently working in a full-time role that she sees as her Christian 'calling' - a high-level position in a welfare organisation, where she gets to help improve people's lives. She loves...
Anita has a grown-up son and daughter-in-law - let's call them Mark and Lydia - and together they have two little kids. Sadly, ever since the first child came along, Anita has been slowly but surely shut out from the...
Jenny's in her mid-20s, and in a bid to branch out and become more independent, she recently moved out of home for the first time. She's leased an apartment and moved out on her own. And to her surprise, she's...
Raquel is one of five adult siblings, all in their 40s and 50s, who have 9 kids between them, aged from 5, to 23. For Raquel, the budget these days is quite tight, and it really is difficult now to...
Gary is a recovering addict. He got hooked on heavy drugs some years ago, but he's now on a drug treatment program and is working hard to walk away from his past lifestyle. What he's struggling with most at the...
Gail works in a retail store, and one of her workmates has a real lack of personal presentation... Her hair often looks unwashed and messy; She frequently wears the same outfit to work several days in a row; and is...
Tonight we're tackling a family scenario: A listener in his 50s, Jim, is tiptoeing around a tricky situation between his unmarried old brother, and their elderly mum. The brother, we'll call him Bob, is a hoarder who can't throw anything...
Kaylene recently married after having a workplace romance with her now-husband Matt. Since being married, the couple have continued working together although they don't work in the same department. However being married to a work colleague does raise a few...
Melissa has a family problem that has crept up quietly, and will only get bigger if she does nothing about it. She's married, with two little children, and has a very generous mother-in-law who loves doting on the children, by...
Elizabeth is in an unusual situation with her ex-husband. The couple divorced a few years ago - after some serious betrayal brought an end to several years of marriage. But the pair are still very much emotionally attached. They text...
Steve's brother, let's call him Adrian, has a new girlfriend... The guy is head over heels, besotted. The problem is, no-one else in the family likes her. Steve, and his parents, think the girl is arrogant and ignorant. She comes...
Richard is dealing with a major gambling problem - not his own, but his former wife's. She has a serious addiction to poker machines. Even though the couple separated a number of years ago, Richard has been bailing her out...
This week's dilemma comes from Sam; He's wondering what to do when you come across someone begging for money. Sam works in the city and often encounters people asking for money - from old scruffy guys sitting on the street...
Lucinda faces a bit of a dilemma with her father-in-law's habit of dropping around to visit. Any time he comes by, even if it's just to pick something up or drop something off that he's borrowed, it's never a quick...
Tonight we have a dilemma that's a little out of the ordinary, because it comes from one of the youngest members of our audience - Tim is in year 6, he's just 12 years old, and he wants your advice...
Sheree's flatmate (let's call her Penny) has a problem with exaggerating... or to put it more bluntly, lying. Often Penny will come home with some dramatic story of something that's happened to her that day, which Sheree can tell is...
Steve is facing a real battle with the question of remarriage. He got married about 10 years ago; His wife was a Christian at the time, he wasn't. The marriage didn't go well and after three years they separated. Through...
Our problem this week comes from Rick, and the situation he's facing is a common one. The time has come for his elderly Dad to go into some kind of aged care - but Dad doesn't want to leave home....
Janine is a mum, whose kids are enrolled in a private Christian school. She's been really happy with the school until recently, when she discovered they're teaching her kids some theology that she's really not comfortable with. The school is...
Monica wants to hear your "Second Opinions" on the subject of matchmaking. She's got two single friends - a guy who's in his early 40s and a girl in her mid 30s; Both would like to eventually be married. Monica...
The scenario we're dealing with this week is to do with a relationship - which is where a lot of our Second Opinion situations come from! This is an interesting one. A young Christian couple, Justin and Angela, have been...
We're tackling a situation this week that many of you may be familiar with. It's actually from two people who've recently gone through the same thing - the scenario of relatives coming to stay for the holidays. Our first listener...
The problem we're tackling tonight comes from a young woman, Belinda. The situation she's facing is that she and her boyfriend aren't on the same footing when it comes to spiritual things. Belinda's a Christian, and when she first met...
Tonight's problem is a tough one with no easy answers. It comes from Jason. Last year, Jason learnt that his wife was being unfaithful to him. He was in a job that often took him interstate and he found out...
Louise has a problem you might identify with. She's a mum in her 40s, and she's really frustrated at work. She works in the area of hospitality, but her real passion is in the arts - she's gifted as an...
Tim's facing a tough family situation. He's recently married, and he works for his father-in-law's business. But he's actually not enjoying the work, and wants to leave. The problem is, he's worried about the backlash that will probably occur if...
THIS WEEK'S SCENARIO: Kathleen's expecting a baby, and her dilemma is in relation to her pregnancy. Being over 35 years old, she's been given the option of the test for Down Syndrome. And she's facing a dilemma over whether to...
Tonight’s scenario will probably strike a chord with more than a few people… It comes from a single woman, Linda. About 6 years ago, Linda was proposed to - by a man she was friends with, but who she wasn’t...
THE PROBLEM This week we’re talking about a work situation that “Julia” is facing… She works is in the field of social welfare, helping people in great need.And she recently intercepted a message that was meant only for a colleague… ...
THIS WEEK'S SCENARIO “Dave” is a dad who went through a rough divorce with his ex-wife, and is paying off a large settlement cost to support her and their children - plus full child support. He’s also paying off a...
Ever wished you had your own panel of experts to take your problems to? Or ever wondered what the average person in the street would do—or has done—in the same situation as you? That’s what our Second Opinion segment is...
Ever wished you had your own panel of experts to take your problems to? Or ever wondered what the average person in the street would do—or has done—in the same situation as you? That’s what our Second Opinion segment is...
Ever wished you had your own panel of experts to take your problems to? Or ever wondered what the average person in the street would do—or has done—in the same situation as you? That’s what our Second Opinion segment is...
Ever wished you had your own panel of experts to take your problems to? Or ever wondered what the average person in the street would do—or has done—in the same situation as you? That’s what our Second Opinion segment is...
Ever wished you had your own panel of experts to take your problems to? Or ever wondered what the average person in the street would do—or has done—in the same situation as you? That’s what our Second Opinion segment is...
Sally has a friend who’s getting married soon…but she’s in despair, because her otherwise fun and vivacious friend is suddenly totally obsessed about weddings. It seems she’s not even thinking about the marriage itself, rather just the trims of the...
Our dilemma this week is about finding the balance between work and family time. Damien and his young family are moving to a new area, and so Damien’s in the middle of finding a new job closer to the place...
Tonight’s dilemma is from Stephanie. She’s a young Christian woman, a uni student, and a youth leader in her church youth group. Stephanie’s started to make some good friendships at uni, and at work. She really wants to start connecting...
Tonight’s dilemma comes from Michelle. She works in shop that has a lot of regular customers, who she gets to know quite well. Recently one of her regulars was in the store with her preschool-aged daughter… The little girl told...
This week’s dilemma comes from James. He’s a young Catholic man, and he holds to the views of the Catholic church about contraception. He doesn’t believe in using it, and he wants to leave the possibility of children in God’s...
Angela’s got a parenting dilemma. And I suspect it’s not an uncommon one. She and her husband have very strong beliefs about how they want to raise their children – from the values they instill, to the way they discipline,...
Our dilemma this week comes from Rob in Far North Queensland. Rob’s elderly parents live a very solitary life, in far-flung Sydney. His father has a fear of flying, can't drive, is vision impaired, and profoundly deaf - so he...
We’ve got a grandma with a dilemma. Maria has a teenage granddaughter, Renee, who’s living with her this year while she completes Year 12. Renee wasn’t doing too well at the high school back in her own hometown; She wasn’t...
Phil was in a road accident, in which he was the passenger, and his brother was the driver. Both brothers were seriously injured and spent time in hospital. Here's Phil's dilemma: The only way he can afford to pay his...
Scott has a real dilemma, and he’d love to hear your thoughts. He’s 22 years old, has been with his girlfriend Anna for almost two years, and they’ve wanted to get married for over a year now. Both are committed...
Our Everyday Dilemma this week is from Maureen, who suffers from a medical condition. While she doesn’t want us to mention the specifics of the condition, we can tell you that she’s lived with chronic pain for the past...
Our Everyday Dilemma tonight comes from Phillip. Phillip’s been married to Carol for many years, but she has recently been diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder. Although Carol was professionally diagnosed by a psychologist, she has not accepted the diagnosis....
Margaret and her husband separated six years ago after he had an affair and left her for the other woman. Margaret and her husband had two wonderful children together and they have maintained a good relationship since the split. Margaret...
Jo is 10 weeks pregnant and really happy about it, but she’s not happy in her current job. Jo would really like to find more challenging and fulfilling work and, in fact, believes she has seen a job that would...
Wendy is a 36 year old occupational therapist. She’s been going out with her boyfriend, Jonathon, for a year and a half. They’re both Christians, and they enjoy spending time together. All Wendy’s friends and family really like Jonathan and...
Sharon is 31 and has just had her first baby, a little girl called Jessica. Jessica is now 3 months old and has been showered with gifts from all Sharon’s friends and relatives, not to mention her parent’s friends and...
A couple of weeks ago we spoke to Dr Tom Frame about the ethical aspects of reproductive technologies. Afterwards I received an email from a listener, who we'll call John. He writes: "I have recently learned that my wife and...
Our dilemma this week is from Jonathon: “I'm 22, and in a relationship with a great girl. She and I get along so well, and I really enjoy her company. She's never been in a relationship before, but I have....
This week’s dilemma is from Anna – who’s in a bit of a pickle at work. She’s currently looking around for a new job as she’s working part time, but would like full time work. She’s applied for a job...
This week’s dilemma is from Sam, who’s debating whether or not to tell his father that his mother is having an affair. Sam came to Australia two years ago with his mum, while his dad stayed in their home country,...
Mary’s spent the last 6 and a half years as a nurse in a psychiatric ward. Recently she’s felt the need to report what she calls the ‘bullying’ treatment of some co-workers to the anti bullying unit where she works.
I had an interesting conversation with a couple of friends this week. Steve was telling me about a holiday he and his wife had just spent in Hobart. I’d also been in Hobart recently and so we got talking about...
What do you do when your boyfriend is not on the same page as you spiritually? That’s Abbie’s dilemma this week. Abbie is a Christian and has been seeing her boyfriend – who’s also a Christian - on a reasonably...
This week's dilemma is from Andrew, who says he’s going to be on his own this Christmas. A lot of Andrew’s family lives interstate. He isn’t looking forward to the ‘season of cheer’ as it reinforces and makes him more...
Rent or Buy? That’s Andrew’s dilemma. Andrew’s getting married next year, and starting to think about home ownership. He wants to honour God with his money – and doesn’t know whether it’s better to buy his own place or rent...
Chloe has a teenage son who’s about to finish school. She wants to know whether it’s too early to start charging him board, as he still lives at home.Chloe wants her son to appreciate how much the cost of living...
This week's dilemma comes from Karen. It's a sensitive one.A young friend of Karen's – someone she considered as one of her own children – has taken her life. This has left Karen and her family understandably devastated.Karen is so...
Our dilemma this week is from Anne – but I think it’s one that a lot of people can relate to.Anne is feeling the pressure of two generations and a busy life. She has adult children still living at home...
This week’s dilemma is about a secret – and whether or not to tell.Jenny’s dilemma relates to a couple she knows well. She’s been friends with them for some years – she went to school with the couple’s son.Here’s Jenny’s...
What do you do when your parents don’t like your boyfriend—because of the job he does? That’s this week’s everyday dilemma, from Sue. Apparently her parents disapprove of her beau because he’s a carpenter.Sue says her parents want the best...
This week’s dilemma is a uniquely online problem, concerning the social networking website Facebook and other sites like it. Basically the website is a way of keeping up with the people around you: friends and family overseas, that sort of...
Phil is a volunteer leader at his local church’s Friday night youth group, and he wants to know if it’s OK to go out with a girl who’s in the youth group. She’s not a fellow leader, she’s just a...
Is there anything you can do when you think your parents are about to break up?That’s 14 year old Brian’s dilemma this week.He wants to know if there's anything he can or should be doing to stop that happening. He says...
Rebecca is in her late twenties and has been with her boyfriend for around the last year and a half. She’s starting to feel pressure from her family and friends to marry her boyfriend, and finds it awkward when she’s...
This week’s dilemma is from Melinda, who says her husband is becoming verbally abusive, and is getting worse.She’s a Christian, and says as a result of the abuse, she’s starting to lose her own values, faith and personality.She wants to...
Our dilemma this week is from Veneeta…who wrote in to us via dilemma@theopenhouse.net.au... Veneeta is a teenager—in year 8 in fact. And her dilemma is all about friends. From memory this is the first time we’ve had a teenager ask...
This week's Everyday Dilemma is from Anne. Anne says she doesn’t know what to say when people ask her how she is, and she’s NOT O.K.Anne has chronic physical health issues, and says she still tries to lead as normal a...
Lara has been receiving several phone calls from an unidentified caller for the last couple of weeks, out of the blue.They’re not very pleasant calls. She has no idea who the man is, but he’s told her he loves her...
This week’s dilemma is from Nathan, who's in a band with three other mates. They’re doing quite well and are keen to record some of their tracks so they can produce their first E.P.But Nathan's concerned that while three of the guys...
Samantha is a young professional who has a fear of flying. She will go to many lengths to avoid getting onto a plane. However she’s been forced to book a flight to her best friend’s interstate wedding in a couple...
Stuart’s younger brother says he's gay, and says he's known it for a long time. Stuart and his brother were raised in a Christian family. He knows their parents will be shocked to find out about his brother's sexuality. But, Stuart’s brother...
This week’s Everyday Dilemma is from Alicia. She says she tries not to gossip at all about friends and family because she believes it’s hurtful if the person ever finds out they were being talked about. BUT on the other hand she...
This week's dilemma is from Daniel.His wife is now in a mental hospital, after giving birth to their first child.She suffered pre-natal depression for the majority of her pregnancy, she then had the baby, and has now sunk into a...
How do you deal with intrusive parents? Andrew recently separated from his wife. He says he is still close to his wife, who is suffering from depression. He says he's trying his best to save the marriage. The separation was triggered by his...
Simone has been separated from her husband for five years, and divorced for three - but says she still loves him, and that a part of her will always love him. They have 'two beautiful children.' Simone says she doesn't feel as...
Sam has recently befriended a new guy at his church who he suspects is probably depressed. This friend never has anything positive to say about anything, and will often reply 'terrible' when asked how he is. He hates his office job...
Brendan wants to know how long he should wait before asking out a girl who broke up with her long term boyfriend a month ago. He met the girl shortly after she broke up with her boyfriend and doesn't want to...
Louise recently caught up with her friend, Stephi, who she went backpacking around Europe with when they were both younger. They drifted apart after the trip and lost contact. Since then, Louise and her husband have become Christians. They've spent...
Jenny's grandmother comes from Poland - she survived World War II. But Jenny's dilemma is this. She doesn't know how to respond to her grandmother's racist comments. For example she feels uncomfortable when her grandmother uses derogatory words like nigger, or...
Will lives at home with his parents. He's 19. He works full time and pays rent. However, he has "imposing" parents who have opinions and "rules" on everything - from what time he should be home, to how clean he...
This week's dilemma is from Robert. He's currently renting a place, but owns a two storey property that he wants to move into. It makes financial sense for him to move in upstairs, because it will mean he won't have to...
Liz is worried about her 13 year old cousin Amala, who's from a Hindu family, who wants to become a Christian - but her parents won't let her. Amala has been invited to church and her parents don't mind her attending...
Our dilemma tonight, concerns a guy that we’re calling Ahmed.It’s a real dilemma – although we’ve changed a couple of the details to protect his identity.But the crux of it is this.Ahmed has recently converted from Islam to Christianity.He doesn’t...
This week’s dilemma is about Warwick – a classical musician by trade. He used to play the trombone with the Philharmonic Orchestra in London. He says he loved that job and was doing well at it, but felt God called...
Natalie is in her early 20’s - she met and started going out with a guy last year - he proposed four months later and she accepted. She describes him as a loving, thoughtful and intelligent guy. They're planning to get...
Michael is in a situation where he’s not sure whether his time or money is more important.He has a degree in nuclear medicine, and currently works as a vet. However he has a strong desire to help Africa, and is...
Stephanie has a step daughter who lives with her family. She married the girl’s father, and has a great relationship with 10 year old Jessica.The young girl goes to stay at her mother's apartment on the weekend, however Stephanie is...
They’re fast, they grunt - and they’re much easier to park than a car. This week’s dilemma is from 22 year old Pippa whose boyfriend wants to buy a motorbike.Pippa loves her boyfriend very much and wants him to have...
This week’s dilemma is one that I think a lot of working parents will be able to relate to. Robin has two young boys (aged 7 and 5) at school – but she doesn’t get to see them a lot...
This week’s dilemma is about a husband who works overseas – and the effects this is having on his family here in Australia.Rachel’s husband went to work in Dubai three years ago. In the first year, she says he’d visit...
One of our listeners has suggested we explore whether or not bribery is ever ethical. Have you ever been in a situation where bribery has been an acceptable course of action? Last year’s inquiry into the business activities of wheat...
Do you ever get sucked into buying something because you get a free gift with it if you do? It might be two for the price of one, it might be a free scarf or even sunglasses with a magazine.But...
