Meth remarked perceived as cry for help

DEAR ABBY: The 22-yearold daughter of close friends of ours has been living in a van during the pandemic. Her parents, my husband and I heard her on her cellphone talking about a party where her friends were doing meth. No one reacted except me. I said, “That’s terrifying!” and she answered, “Right?”

I cannot stop worrying about this young woman, who I have watched grow since she was a baby. The red spots on her face, which I had assumed were from acne, now haunt me. What can I do?

I had offered her the use of our driveway, if needed, but I don’t want meth users here because I have two college-age sons, so now I regret even that. I feel since she broached the topic she was asking for help. — Sick with Worry in Colorado

DEAR SICK: The baby you watched grow up is now an adult. If you think she was asking for help because she is addicted to methamphetamine, talk to her and offer to help her get it. If she says she wants to move her van to your property, explain that as long as she is using and/ or partying with contemporaries who do, the offer is off the table.

DEAR ABBY: I have a wonderful husband. He is outgoing, and I would like to think of myself as the same, but I work hard. He always makes plans for the weekends, but sometimes I want to stay home, relax and get the house in order. I encourage him to go visit our friends because I know I can trust him, and I need some alone time! — Peaceful and Still

DEAR PEACEFUL: You are as entitled to your feelings as your husband is to his. The two of you need to work out a compromise. (Compromise is the secret ingredient in happy marriages.) If he feels the need to get away and it doesn’t bother you because you trust him, you should be entitled to time at home to get the place — and your head — straight.

DEAR ABBY: I am my husband’s second wife. His first wife died of cancer eight years ago. His late wife’s mother still calls him her sonin-law and introduces him as such. She also asks him to help her with things around the house, like getting mulch and remodeling the bath. She invites all of us over to holidays, but I can’t help but feel awkward. Am I overreacting? — In the Present in Indiana

DEAR IN THE PRESENT: If the bond were broken, your husband’s former mother-inlaw would find someone else, and your husband would help her to do it. He may still feel like a member of that family. Please be smart and less defensive. The woman is making an effort to include you.