Seeing son-in-law’s skivvies irks woman

DEAR ABBY: After my future son-in-law moved in with our daughter, my husband and I stopped by unannounced. He answered the door in his underwear and never bothered to put on a pair of shorts.

It was close to Christmas, so we bought him a robe, and my husband jokingly told him, “We figured you didn’t have one since you stay in your underwear when we’re here.” Even after that, he still does it.

I finally told my daughter, “Since he can’t take a hint, please tell him to put on clothes when I’m coming over.” Since then, when we’ve stopped by (dropping off the grandbabies), he still doesn’t put shorts on.

It happened again today. I asked him to throw on some shorts, and his response was, “You’re killing me in my own house,” but he did it. I’m fed up with having to see him in his underwear. I also don’t think he should go around that way around his 6-year-old stepdaughter and his 2-month-old daughter. What are your thoughts? — Hurting Eyes in Florida

DEAR HURTING EYES: Because you are doing the favor of looking after the grandkids, and you have let them know you prefer not seeing your son-in-law in his undies, your wishes should be respected. However, different families have different standards regarding attire, and you shouldn’t judge him for what he chooses to wear in his home when you are not around.

DEAR ABBY: My 8-yearold daughter keeps asking for a smartphone. I’m at a loss about who she would call. She points out different kids her age who have phones. They are the kids I view as ones who will have no curfew, boyfriends at 12 and parents who aren’t as involved as we are. At what age do you feel kids should have smartphones? — Involved Parent

DEAR INVOLVED PARENT: I don’t think there is a magic number, but your daughter is definitely too young. A flip phone, to contact you in emergencies, might be appropriate.

Because her friends have smartphones is not a valid reason to have one. Before that happens, you must be confident it will be used responsibly, and that you will be able to review its history.

DEAR ABBY: Could you help spread the word that Shelby is not just for the female gender? Many boys and men like me have the handle and are proud of it. — Shelby from Texas

DEAR SHELBY: I’m glad to relay your message. Today many women have names once associated only with the masculine gender — Cameron, Bailey, Logan, Morgan, to name a few — and turnabout is fair play.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.dearabby. com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.