DEAR ABBY: My son is dating a woman I can’t stand. I’m not too crazy about my son right away, either. I now not wish to be out in public with them because their public displays of affection are so excessive it makes me unwell. I cannot imagine spending every holiday, birthday or whatever with them for the remaining of my life. He hasn’t told us anything about this person. We don’t even know her last name. Help! — TURNED-OFF MOM IN INDIANA
DEAR MOM: You didn’t mention your son’s age or how long he has been involved with this young woman. It appears they’re each quite young. Romances that burn with this sort of intensity normally cool down fairly quickly. Within the meantime, be patient. Say nothing that may cause you to be perceived because the “enemy.”
If you happen to would really like more information in regards to the girl, ask her in a non-threatening way. (“Are you a schoolmate?” “Do you have got a final name?” “Does your loved ones live on the town?”) Then make certain your son knows the right way to protect them each from unwanted pregnancy and STDs “should the necessity arise,” and wait them out.
DEAR ABBY: I’m a 49-year-old mother of 10. I all the time loved my kids dearly and tried my best. But I desired to be a friend moderately than a disciplinarian, and I all the time gave in. I assumed that because my husband and I never did bad things around them while they were growing up, and since I all the time resisted peer pressure once I was a youngster, they’d follow in our footsteps, but I used to be fallacious. They at the moment are mean to me, and most of them hate me.
I sometimes feel like I don’t wish to go on because I’ll all the time feel sad and depressed. I can’t remember the last time I used to be glad and didn’t dread waking up every morning. Please find time to reply and provides me some hope again. — BROKEN IN WEST VIRGINIA
DEAR BROKEN: It’s time you stopped depending on your kids to validate you, and commenced recognizing that, for higher or worse, you probably did the most effective you can as a parent. Please discuss this along with your religious adviser and your physician. You would like more help than I can offer in a letter, but those are the places to begin. There are higher days ahead.
DEAR ABBY: I’m adopted, and 10 years ago I met my birth mom and her family. I am going to their family gatherings and see them for holidays. I get married, and I’ve asked my birth mom to be my matron of honor, which my parents are OK with.
After the ceremony, we’re going to have a reception on the church after which a dinner with 20 people hours later. I’m unsure if I should invite my birth mom to the dinner or not. My parents said it could be awkward for her and for them. I’m just attempting to do the fitting thing. What should I do? — NERVOUS IN NEW MEXICO
DEAR NERVOUS: That is something you need to confer with your birth mother. While one would think that as a part of the marriage party she can be welcome at all the festivities, if it will make the couple who raised you uncomfortable, she should understand why she isn’t being asked to attend.
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 http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.