Problem: F: First of all, most of us hear about premarital contracting when someone rich and famous gets divorced and about all the battles they are going through. I know when my husband and I decided that we wanted to have a premarital contract, my son said "Why you guys doing that? Don't you trust each other?" So it's not surprising that people's initial reaction is a negative one. But in fact, premarital contracting is a way that we can learn more about each other, make each other feel more comfortable about issues that are of concerns, and certainly clarify money concerns. This way, we can talk about them, decide together how we want our marriage to work, and if necessary, and only if necessary, we put it in a premarital contract, a legal document. M: Each year, there is one divorce for every two marriages. And a substantial portion of those who have divorced remarry. Is the notion of the premarital contract simply for those who are entering second marriages, or is it also something for the people getting married for the first time? W: Premarital contracting is a communication process. I think all of us, whatever age we are, whatever financial status we have, we have things to talk about. And if we avoid doing that and wait until there are problems, it's almost too late. I think that no matter what age, whether we've been married once or not, whether we have stepchildren, whether we have assets, it's important to communicate and consider a legal document. What was said before this conversation?

A: M: The prevailing attitude about premarital contracting is that it spoils the whole concept of marriage, love, and trust. How do you counter that?

Problem: W: You may be right. Thank you for mentioning this. What was said before this conversation?

A: M: You'd better take your coat with you. It looks like it's going to snow.

Problem: M: That's nice, Shelly. But do you mean the province of Quebec, or Quebec City? W: I mean the province. My friend's wedding is in Montreal. I'm going there first. I'll stay for five days. Is Montreal the capital city of the province? M: Well, Many people think so because it's the biggest city. But it's not the capital. Quebec City is. But Montreal is great. The Saint Royal River runs right through the middle of the city. It's beautiful in summer. W: Wow, and do you think I can get by in English? My French is OK, but not that good. I know most people there speak French, but can I also use English? M: Well, People speak both French and English there. But you'll hear French most of the time. And all the street signs are in French. In fact, Montreal is the third largest French speaking city in the world. So you'd better practice your French before you go. W: Good advice. What about Quebec City? I'll visit a friend from college who lives there now. What's it like? M: It's a beautiful city, very old. Many old buildings have been nicely restored. Some of them were built in the 17th or 18th centuries. You'll love there. W: Fantastic. I can't wait to go. What was said before this conversation?

A: W: Hey, Bob, guess what? I'm going to visit Quebec next summer. I'm invited to go to a friend's wedding. But while I'm there I'd also like to do some sightseeing.

Problem: W: Oh, we loved it. Tom liked Germany best, but France was my favorite. M: So did Rachael finally go with you? W: No, she wasn't able to. She was called away for a business trip to China. M: That's a pity. So where exactly did you go and visit? W: Well, we traveled all over, Italy, Spain and Holland; we even bathed in a Swiss lake M: You did, really? What was said before this conversation?

A:
M: So, Macy, how was your holiday?