DEAR ABBY: My husband and I lately moved out of state. His solely dwelling relative, a sister, lately came around.
She has by no means been married. She is a retired skilled and has a great retirement, particularly since she has no kids.
Throughout her go to, she gave us a housewarming greeting card with a $50 Visa present card. This was uncommon as she has by no means in 50 years given us cash. (She’s very tight together with her cash and at all times insists on paying for her a part of any restaurant invoice individually.)
Whereas she was right here, I made a remark about her paying for a $5 espresso for her brother, and he or she turned extremely offended. (I knew she could be, so I sort of goaded her.) She then talked about the $50 present card she gave us and stated I most likely didn’t even inform her brother about it though he was within the room when she gave it to us.
We don’t want her cash, and I need to mail it again to her and say thanks for the thought, however we don’t want it. What do you suppose I ought to do?
— THANKS, NO THANKS, IN FLORIDA
DEAR THANKS: Actually? I believe that relatively than attempt to create extra issues along with your sister-in-law, you must write her and apologize in your remark in regards to the $5 espresso.
As an alternative of returning the present card, be gracious and settle for it. Disgrace on you for knowingly stirring the pot.
DEAR ABBY: I’m a widow. My accomplice died 10 months in the past. We had been collectively for seven years however by no means married.
I’ve now discovered a accomplice who’s 12 years youthful than I’m. We love one another and need to be married. My downside is, he’s solely separated from his spouse.
He says he doesn’t need her and he hates her as a result of she betrayed him. They’re getting a divorce, but when I stick with him, I really feel that I’ll be stepping between them.
What ought to I do — keep and hope for the very best, or depart him?
— IN THE MIDDLE IN MASSACHUSETTS
DEAR IN THE MIDDLE: This romance is in its infancy. You have got been widowed for less than 10 months. There’s knowledge within the adage that after a trauma just like the one you’ve gotten suffered, an individual ought to make no essential selections for a yr.
Has this man or his spouse filed the divorce papers, or is he solely fascinated by it? If the papers have been filed, then you aren’t coming between him and his spouse.
Divorce may also be traumatic, and, frankly, I’m stunned that this man would ponder remarriage earlier than his divorce is closing. Somewhat than determine whether or not to depart him, take your time and see how this relationship performs out.
DEAR READERS: Pleased Father’s Day to fathers in every single place — delivery fathers, stepfathers, adoptive and foster fathers, grandfathers and all of you caring males who mentor kids and fill the function of absent dads. P.S. Additionally, an enormous shout-out to dual-role mothers. I applaud you all — at this time and day-after-day. — LOVE, ABBY
Pricey Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also called Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Pricey Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Field 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
