How many children do you have?

Two teenagers. Pass the Pinot Grigio.

My life would be simpler if…

There were 32 hours in a day, eight days in a week, and jeans that made me look like Cameron Diaz from behind.

Most useless invention?

Regret.

How much time do you spend on the internet?

I'm a starred buyer on eBay. Does that answer the question?

What surprises you most about your adult life?

That the person I fell in love/lust with at 19 is still fantastically interesting and attractive to me at 45.

Simplest pleasure?

Grinding lemons in the garbage disposal.

What are you most proud of?

Navigating life without a road map. My mother died when I was 11.

Something on my mind lately is…

Because I lost my mother at such an early age, one of my greatest joys is being able to be here to help my children as they move toward adulthood. But in my effort to give them everything I lacked growing up, have I given them too much? Have I helped them too much? Is it also important to let them fail?

Your Turn

To read more about what’s on Gwyn’s mind, offer advice, or request a questionnaire so you can be considered for a future Real Life column, go to the Real Life Community Area.