Dear Abby: I'm a 72-year-old widow and I don't think it would be appropriate to contact my old girlfriend from college. Yes, more than 50 years later, she is married and has grown children. I'm curious what your position is on this.
She lives 400 miles away from where I live, but I would love to talk to her and talk about our lives. We're both in our early 70s so obviously we don't have a lot of time. — catch up in georgia
For those who want to get closer: My position is never to put the hook in water unless you plan on storing your catch. Your ex-girlfriend is a married woman with a family. If you simply want to sing the chorus of “Auld Lang Syne,” please contact us. if you are lonely anything Please no more.
Dear Abby: Once or twice a year, relatives come from out of state to stay with my in-laws. The same daily routine has continued for the past 20 years. They show up, but you can't know in advance when or how long they'll stay. As long as they are in town, we are expected to drop everything and go over there to visit with them. There is no plan or schedule. We're just sitting around waiting for them to decide what they want to do.
I'm tired of it. I like to know ahead of time so I don't have to cancel previous plans when they come up. It's nice to chat, but you want to know ahead of time that they're coming so you can meet for a meal or activity instead of sitting around for hours. Can I make this request now since it's been going on for too long? — Midwest burden
To those who are burdened: Yes, you can tell us your wishes. What you are suggesting is common sense and common courtesy. Tell these relatives in advance when they are scheduled to come to town that you would like to meet, but so that you can adjust your schedule and take them somewhere instead of sitting for hours at your in-laws' house. Please let us know. These relatives— and Your in-laws, thank you for that.
Dear Abby: For the past two years, my husband and I have been attending holiday concerts with our best friend “Ellie” who lives two hours away. Ellie recently told a friend how great the concert was. The friend now wants to come to town to see it. problem? Although we do not like this person for several reasons, Ellie decides to invite this friend to attend the concert with her. We feel disrespected. How should I approach this issue with Ellie? Things are going crazy in Arizona.
Dear Ones: We recommend that you do not do so. You may be close to Ellie, but you shouldn't have a say in who she invites as guests to her events. If you do that, you'll alienate her. If you want to attend the next concert, accept that you will have to buy tickets separately, and if you meet Ellie and her friend who you hate, be cordial.
Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Dear Abby, contact: http://www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
