Have a benefits question? New column is here to help.

The Senate Benefits and Welfare committee wants to make sure Pitt employees know about the services available to them. While the questions in Ask Benefits and Welfare are made up (for now), the answers are definitely real and filled with useful information. If you have your own questions, send them to utimes@pitt.edu and we’ll forward them to the committee. Note that this monthly column is not produced or approved by the Office of Human Resources; it is entirely the responsibility of the Senate Benefits and Welfare committee.

 

Dear Benefits and Welfare Committee:

Please help me with my love life. I came to work at Pitt, years ago, because you included same-sex partners in the benefits package. My partner and I were as close as could be. And when it became legal, we got married and my partner became my spouse. I’m as in love as ever, but these days, Spousey ignores me. When I say it’s time for dinner, Spousey doesn’t come to the table. When I ask Spousey about the idea of going to see a show, I get no reply. Oh sure, we still cuddle etc. …, but it’s all physical; there’s no regular communication anymore. What should I do?

Sincerely,
Lonely in Lawrenceville

Dear Lonely in Lawrenceville,

You were right to contact us. Our expertise in matters of the heart is nearly as excellent as our knowledge of Pitt’s employee benefits. Truly though, we don’t think this is a matter of the heart. Rather, we believe the problem is in another part of Spousey’s anatomy: the ears. We suspect that Spousey simply doesn’t hear you when you announce dinner or try to make social plans.

Do you know that with Pitt’s UPMC Health Plan, covered employees and household members can get free hearing aids? (See page 9 of this guide.) Consider taking Spousey on a diagnostic date at the Center for Audiology and Hearing Aids in Pitt’s Department of Otolaryngology. And then, once Spousey can enjoy sounds again, order discount tickets from Pitt’s Cheap Seats office for an upcoming concert, ballet, play, or other performance.

Ah, but maybe we’re just a hopeless romantic. Maybe you are right that the passionate fire in your relationship is cooling down. Just to check, talk with a therapist at Life Solutions which is a free counseling service for Pitt employees. They can provide couples therapy for the two of you together or they can interact with each of you separately.

Yours truly,
The Benefits and Welfare Committee