'Dear GMA' Entry: Are You Our Next Advice Guru?

Oct. 5, 2010 — -- "Good Morning America" is launching a nationwide search for a 21st century Advice Guru.

This is a full time, on-air position at "GMA." You could sit next to George and Robin and be a part of the "GMA" Team!

Over the next few weeks, we'll be featuring some of your entries on the website.

Check out this one from Alison Blair of Concord, Calif.

What's the best advice you have ever given? What was the result?

The best advice I gave was to my sister. She got pregnant in her early 30s and she was single. She was afraid to tell my parents because she thought they would be mad at her. My advice was to first remind her that she wasn't a teenager anymore. She was a grown woman with a job and was capable of making her own decisions. I advised her to gently break it to my parents but that she needed to "own" her decision. Her situation wasn't ideal and it wasn't what my parents would have wanted for her, but it would go over better to present a strong front than if she showed fear or uncertainty or "asked" for their approval. Of course they were a little disappointed but they quickly accepted her situation, helped out, and of course love their grandbaby!

What would you tell his person: "Whenever there is an issue between my mother-in-law and me, my husband refuses to stand up for me. How do I get him to value our relationship more than the one with his mother?

This is a tough situation. I was in a similar situation early in my marriage. Ultimately, you and your husband are now a team. It is very important that you present a united front when dealing with issues with his mother. This is the best way to establish your boundary as a couple. This is not an overnight process. It will take time and work on both your parts. He's probably used to having to please his mother and needs to realize that he's married to you and not her. He needs to be the one to stand up to her so as not to damage your relationship with his mother. She may respect it more if it comes from him. If talking to your husband doesn't work, make an appointment with a counselor. It might help him to hear it from someone else who isn't in the middle of the situation.

What would you tell this person: "While cleaning my son's room, I accidentally saw on his Facebook page threatening remarks from his friends. I fear he's being bullied. What should I do?"

Assuming that your son is a teenager, I would not come out and tell him what you saw. He may be embarrassed and may not want to talk about it if asked. Arrange to spend some one-on-one time with him and see if he says anything. If that doesn't work, try asking him how school is going. Is he showing signs of depression? Is he acting more withdrawn than usual? Have you noticed changes in his personality? If so, you may eventually have to say something more direct. If everything seems fine, I think you aregoing to have to wait until he brings it up. He may be able to brush it off for now but definitely keep your eye out for changes in his personality that may indicate a more serious problem.

'Dear GMA': Featured Submission

What would you tell this person: "My boss keeps taking credit for my ideas. What should I do?"

I would not say anything to your boss. It will only cause trouble for you. Ultimately, you're there to make your boss shine. In the meantime, try and get your name on as many presentations as you can to at least show that you contributed. Is it possible for you to share your ideas with others besides your boss? Can you give ideas in an open forum such as a brainstorming session where it will be obvious that they came from you? This may be the best way to ensure credit. Regardless of who takes the credit, you can still put these projects on your resume. Every day that you're at work, you are gaining valuable experience that no one can take away from you.

Essay:

I would love to be GMA's next advice guru. For years I've been telling my friends that my dream job is to be an advice columnist. I've worked in marketing for 13 years but I give advice on the side. I am a good listener and my friends are always coming to me for advice. I'm a no-nonsense person so people don't come to me so I can tell them what they want to hear. I call it the way I see it. I will do it as nice and as respectfully as I can, but you will definitely hear an honest opinion from me.

I'm 35, married, live in California and I don't have any children (yet). I originally grew up in Texas and have been in California for 9 years so it's definitely been interesting seeing how different parts of America operate. I am more liberal than conservative but definitely am happy to "agree to disagree" when it comes to politics. Can't we all just get along? Even though I don't have kids, I have nieces and nephews that I have been extremely close to and feel that I can give sound advice if I were to get a question from parents. No, I don't have the perspective of a parent but sometimes that could be a benefit in giving practical advice. My mom is a therapist so I feel like I've had some insight into how that world works and how to deal with people who come to you for help without judgment. In a nutshell, I'm a happy person who loves life and loves meeting and getting to know people. Pick me!! :-)