Son driving mother crazy over gift car
DEAR ABBY: Myson bought me a car in 2012. I had no idea he was doing it. He traded my car in for this newer car.
During the last five years this “gift” has been nothing but a sore spot. If I get a ding from a parking lot, it’s my fault. If I let someone smoke in it, I’m unappreciative. I’m at the point of giving it back and riding a bus. What’s the solution? — Auto-challenged Mom in West Virginia
DEAR AUTO-CHALLENGED: The solution is to stand up for yourself. Your son appears to be using his “generosity” to badger you.
If you haven’t told him how his comments have made you feel, you should. Point out that you can’t control what happens to the vehicle when you’re not in it. And once a gift is given, it’s the recipient’s to do with as she wishes. If a friend lighting up in YOUR car doesn’t bother you, you shouldn’t have to apologize for it.
As a last resort, consider trading the car in for one he has nothing to do with.
DEAR ABBY: I divorced my husband last year. I was very unhappily married, and am glad to be moving forward in life. Our children suffered as well because of our marriage.
My problem is that people I knew ages ago want to reconnect. I’m not ready for that. I don’t want to wave them off, but neither do I want to talk about my life. It would make them uncomfortable.
I’m building a new life now, but it’s still under construction. How do I respond to these well-meaning old friends? — Not Ready in the South
DEAR NOT READY: You do not have to reveal anything to these old acquaintances that you don’t wish to. If they ask questions you feel are too personal or painful, all you have to say is you would rather not discuss it. Then change the subject.
DEAR ABBY: My husband tosses and turns, snores, talks and sings in his sleep. He insists that I sleep with him because “if I don’t, it would create a rift in our marriage.” When I tell him I love him but I need to get my sleep, he says that love is only a word for me if I don’t act upon it. I am thinking of leaving him. Advice? — Only a Word in Ohio
DEAR ONLY A WORD: Rather than leave, schedule an appointment for both of you with your family physician. Because your “musical” husband is tone-deaf when he hears you need a solid night’s sleep, let the doctor impress upon him how important sleep is for good mental and physical health. Many happily married couples sleep in separate beds — and sometimes even separate rooms — and have great relations both in and out of bed.
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.