Dear Al A. Carte,

I have a possessive girlfriend who tells everyone she’s THE girlfriend vs. A girlfriend. What should I do?

Playing the Field

Dear Playing,

Have you BEAN honest with your girlfriend?

Bean Sauce

1 onion, diced

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 red pepper, chopped

1 cup water

2 cans black beans with liquid

1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can corn with liquid

2 cans diced tomatoes

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1 TBL cilantro, chopped

2 TBL barbeque sauce

1 TBL red pepper flakes

In a large skillet, combine onion, garlic red pepper and water. Bring to a boil; then simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients. Simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Serve over rice or in a tortilla. If you prefer soup, add 3 cups of vegetable broth to the mixture.

* * *

Does she know you are seeing other women? Or does she truly believe she is the one and only? Regardless, it’s time for the two of you to sit down and talk.