‘Father-daughter’ relationship gives new girlfriend pause.
Dear Abby:
I have been dating “Brian” for five months. He is 54; I am 59.
The deal breaker for me is his “daughter” (“Allison”), who is actually the daughter of a friend of his. Allison and Brian’s two grown sons grew up together. She’s 24.
Allison no longer talks with or visits Brian’s sons, but she is close to Brian. She has no friends, and she’s estranged from her parents. Brian helps her with school projects, they go to lunch, walk on the beach, text/talk on the phone, etc. He tells me he’s a father figure to her.
I have met Allison and I think her behavior is a little too flirtatious for a daughter/father relationship. When I mention to Brian that I don’t think it’s a healthy “friendship,” he becomes defensive. Should I bow out now, get to know Allison better, or tell Brian it’s me or her? Third Wheel Out West
Dear Third Wheel:
You have known Brian only five months. I vote for standing pat a while longer and making an effort to befriend Allison. If she’s truly as alone as you describe, she could use an older, more experienced woman in her life.
Dear Abby:
My stepmother had a recipe for meatloaf that she found in your column years ago. She made it for us often when we visited, and we all loved it. However, we have been unable to locate that recipe anywhere and don’t remember how to make it.
Could you reprint the recipe for me? We’ve been trying others, but yours is the best. Jenna in Jacksonville, Fla.
Dear Jenna:
This recipe is part of my cookbooklet set, which has recipes for appetizers, soups, salads, vegetable side dishes, main courses and delicious desserts. The set can be ordered by sending your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $14 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby — Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. By the way, the cookbooklet set also contains a tasty recipe for turkey meatloaf. .
Meatloaf Makes 6-8 servings
2 lbs. ground beef 1 cup seasoned Italian bread crumbs ½ cup finely chopped onion 1⁄3 cup ketchup 1⁄3 cup water 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2 eggs Pepper to taste Salt, if desired 4 strips bacon, if desired Instructions: Heat oven to 350 degrees.
In large bowl, combine all ingredients except bacon. Shape into a loaf; place in 9-by-5-inch pan. Arrange bacon strips on top of meat mixture, if desired. Bake for 60 minutes.