DEAR ABBY: I’m a senior in highschool in a long-distance relationship. My boyfriend, “Grant,” and I live two states apart and have visited one another several times. He’s 4 years older than I’m. We met three years ago, when Grant was 19 and I used to be 15, and have become friends through banter online. Nonetheless, he had a girlfriend and we were nothing greater than friends. I developed feelings, but he didn’t reciprocate because I used to be underage. Later, after he and his girlfriend broke up, I told him how I felt and we became a pair. That was 10 months ago.
Grant asked me to maneuver in with him next 12 months, and I even have decided to accomplish that. His college tuition and housing are paid for, and he desires to assist in paying mine while we pursue an in-person relationship. A few of my relatives find out about my decision, however the two relations I live with don’t. They’re very serious and old-fashioned of their beliefs and don’t respect my relationship in any way. I’m unsure the right way to tell them about my decision to maneuver 900 miles away to a state where neither Grant nor I even have friends or family. I’m on the lookout for any advice possible. — BIG PLANS IN INDIANA
DEAR BIG PLANS: I’m glad you’re in search of advice about this because I even have serious reservations about what you’re planning. If you happen to move in with Grant (as generous as his offer could also be), you can be denying him and yourself a vital aspect of the school experience. It is a likelihood for every of you to finish your education, in addition to grow and define yourselves as individuals. Each of you’ll meet recent people and develop interests other than the opposite, which is each difficult and healthy. Please don’t deny yourself or Grant this essential experience.
DEAR ABBY: Our family is apprehensive about my brother. Ever since he met and married his wife, he has modified. There was a “surprise” baby. Access to the newborn is proscribed — even my parents, who visit only yearly, must schedule an appointment a minimum of two days prematurely. My brother now rarely leaves the home. He has begun questioning my parents about their will. He’s asking to be bought out of the family business, which he has stated quite a few times that he absolutely loves being a component of.
Abby, I do know you usually say to face aside and offer support if asked, but a few of his decisions, like wanting to go away the family business, may have serious negative impacts on the entire family. Is there anything we will do? — CONCERNED BIG BROTHER IN WASHINGTON
DEAR BIG BROTHER: Your brother’s wife appears to be very controlling. Is he all right? I ask since you wrote that he has all the time loved the family business. Because his request to be bought out will affect everyone, the entire principals — including your brother — should meet together with your attorney in addition to your financial adviser to debate what that can mean for all of you. If that is being brought on by your brother’s wife, don’t allow her to isolate him. Assure him that you’re going to all the time be there for him regardless where his path may lead.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also referred to as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.