DEAR ABBY: Fifteen years ago I “ran away” from my adult children and finally made money for myself. They were able to stay in the house because I kept paying my mortgage. Their father – my ex – lived next to the family.
Now none of my children want to have anything to do with me or my family, and they don’t want to have anything to do with me. I suspect they feel abandoned because I am the parent they can always rely on. Is there anything I can do to restore our relationship? — Pennsylvania Runaway Mom
Dear Mom: Yes, tell your children that you are selling the house, I think it belongs to you now. I’m sure they’ll start “communicating” with you as soon as word reaches them. You continue to pay very generously for the house so that they have a place to live. If you have to “run” from their bottomless need, you are doing everything right. Please stop being used. You saved yourself and you shouldn’t feel bad or guilty about it.
DEAR ABBY: I recently started chatting with a guy from my past. I really like him. We’ve been there from time to time throughout the year because we both have things in our lives to focus on first (like my bipolar disorder and seeking counselling).
Anyway, my best friend threatened to take me out of her life if I started a relationship with him. On the one hand, this guy makes me feel like I’m on fire – in a good way, of course. But on the other hand, I don’t want to lose my best friend. What am I doing? — Difficult choice in Illinois
Dear Hard Choices! You missed something important in your letter. Why is your best friend so vehemently against this person? She is jealous? Could this be related to his problem? Was it bad last time you were with him? How bad? Your best friend may be trying to save you, but she’s clumsy. talk to her.
DEAR ABBY: Recently a friend came to my house. I offer coffee and a cake, which I cut and put on a plate. She said she wasn’t hungry at the time, so she took it home to eat and asked me to wrap it or put it in a container. I said yes, of course, but I’ve never heard of such a thing, although patrons often take half-eaten meals home from a restaurant. Am I out of place here, or do I have the right to be as shocked as I am right now? the hostess was surprised.
Dear Surprise: If you are “shocked” by what she is doing, you must be sensitive. Your friends are honest with you. trust her. She may like the cake you offer, but she is watching her weight and thinks she will put it in the freezer to enjoy again. I do not know the rules of etiquette, according to which cakes should be eaten in the presence of the hostess.
Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was created by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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Post time: Nov-30-2022