I want to be a workaholic. The problem however is that I don't like to begin working. Once I am in it and have a good start, I pillage forward and am happy to do so. But, getting started is such a chore. How does one find the impetus to do so? You have conquered every creative area to take on. From acting and singing to writing and cleaning the world, you have done it successfully. While I know bumps have occurred and it probably didnt feel positive all the time, obviously you have the gumption to work, constantly, continually, and with power. Where does that come from and how can I find my own? I want to want to scrub!

Dearest Bette,

This morning I had a horrible realization about myself: other people's constant work makes me feel lazy and dumb. For example, a colleague from graduate school works at a prestigious university and is constantly updating her Facebook to tell about her days on end writing and her manuscripts, chapters, and other sundry writings acceptance statuses. While I am so happy for her (she is my smart friend after all), I can't help but feel lazy and not proficient at my own job (seeing as it is the same job as hers, just another university)! I need those things also to move forward in my job and yet, I would rather play catch with the dogs or go out to dinner or clean toilets than write manuscripts, an integral part of my livelihood. And if I CHOOSE to do other than work (especially and specifically write), why must I feel so damn stupid and worthless when I see others' successes?

Dearest Bette,

How do you know when to say you are done with a relationship?

When you spent time under the eyes and arms of Aaron Russo, you had many successes and also many hurts. So, how did you decide to let it go, to change the relationship's course by letting him go? And how do you tell the person, "Thank you for loving me so much, but you are now hurting me?" When someone has been so integral to your life, has shown you so much of the world and even more important, shown you unending love, how do you let them go, even if they have also shown you hurt and disappointment? Knowing in your heart that they are causing hurt and angst, how does your head let it go? Or do you just let it hurt until it dies on its own? Is there ever a time to resurect it?