Dear Abby: My brother recently called me and told me that he proposed to his girlfriend and she happily accepted. She’s happy that he’s happy, but she’s worried about what he’ll do if he asks her to be his chaperone.
His girlfriend is a good person, but they have a one-sided relationship and she controls many of her brother’s actions. She always has to be the center of attention at her family events and piles on her PDA towards my brother in public.
I feel sorry for him because he doesn’t have much love experience and it only seems like he’s settled down. I might jump on this one and he probably won’t ask, but I truly believe that the best man at their wedding should be someone who really supports this relationship, and that It’s not me. Any advice? — New York’s “Worst Man”
Dear “Worst Man”: Please wait for your time. Because your brother’s fiancée is in control, she It may be he who decides who should be the best man. If she has a brother or a male cousin with whom she feels close, you may not be concerned. However, if asked, you should convey your concerns to him frankly and as diplomatically as possible.
Dear Abby: I’m a 57 year old single mother. All four of my children live at home. My eldest daughter is also a single mother and has two beautiful children. Since she is a college student, she can get a high paying job.
I already have a daughter in her 20s who is mentally retarded. She is lying inside her house reading mobile phone or using computer. She is very untidy and refuses to take care of herself or help her with household chores.
My third daughter is also a university student, but she lives in the dormitory. She’s also a bit of a slob when she’s at her house, and her son is beyond dirty too. His room is littered with trash and dirty dishes. No matter what I say he ignores me. what would you do? — Messed up in Pennsylvania
Dear Mess: You created this monster of problems by not asserting your authority as a parent.What I’m trying to do is what you should do Even if only slightly 15 years ago: Tell your “kids” what is expected of them and what the punishment will be if they ignore you. So if they get upset, show them the door. You have given your children everything but the motivation to take care of themselves.
Dear Abby: I love animals and currently have a flock of chickens. It’s all chicken. I take care of these girls and get fresh, wonderful eggs in return. I live in a farming rights community and am considering getting a rooster to give the girls some excitement. The problem is that the rooster crows. I have a neighbor, but I don’t know if he’ll get mad at me for hearing him cry early in the morning. advice? — Waiting for the Crow in Massachusetts
Everyone waiting: If you think adopting a rooster will excite your hens, imagine the commotion that rooster will cause among the neighbors. Unless you want to blow feathers, ask them first.
Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440 (Los Angeles, CA 90069).
