Moving back home comes with questions of privacy
DEAR ABBY: At the age of 30, I recently had to move back with my parents. I am not the tidiest person in the world, but I thrive on the saying, “Dust, not dirt.”
I recently went on vacation. I knew my room was a little messier than I’d like, but I also knew I’d return from vacation ready to tackle the pile of laundry and sweep and mop the floor. Lo and behold, when I walked into my room, it was clean and organized! Abby, I felt my privacy had been invaded.
I was embarrassed and ashamed, but also hurt because my parents had trespassed beyond my closed door. I feel betrayed and like my personal privacy was undermined. What should I do? – INVADED SPACE
DEAR INVADED: I’m glad you asked. I think you should get over it, and fast. I assume you are staying rent-free in your parents’ home.
You are no longer a teenager, and nobody trespassed. While you are under their roof, make an extra effort to keep the room you occupy free from dust
by Bigar
(March 21-April 19):Take advantage of a few hours when you have no obligations. Search online for an out-ofprint or rare book you have wanted to purchase. It requires patience, but you might find what you want.tonight: Fun with children and grandchildren.
(April 20-May 20):Your emotions may be on overdrive. Feeling joyful will infect everyone around you. Don’t give in to irrational fears. Think about happy things instead. Reserve time to get physical with a walk, run or swim. Tonight: A serious talk with someone close.
(May 21-June 20):You may have second thoughts about a commitment you made too hastily.take time to negotiate the terms and conditions. Talk it over with someone you trust. Strengthen a connection with someone you recently met. Tonight: Live dangerously with a rich dessert.
(June 21-July 22): Give your pet special attention. Find a home for a stray at an animal shelter.teamwork saves you from a monotonous job. Enter a competition or take on a challenge you may have passed on previously.tonight:attend an online meeting.
(July 23-Aug. 22): Lay the groundwork for fulfilling an artistic vision. A mentor can steer you in the right direction. Be open to unusual ideas. Follow your instincts, and you can never go wrong. Go out with friends. Tonight: Laugh it up.
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Explore real estate for fun. Visit interesting neighborhoods or places you might want to live. Make your workspace at home practical and comfortable. If you need to replace equipment, take time to research the best deal.tonight: Unwind with a mystery.
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Brush up on time-management skills.you may have to rely on them if overloaded with too many projects. Set limits for yourself and stay true to them. Too much information can tie you in knots.tonight: Do what you love.
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Make healthy lifestyle choices a family affair. Join a gym or take power walks together. Purchase weights so you can work out at home. Prepare nutritious and balanced meals. The fun is eating the delicious results. Tonight: Plan weekend activities.
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Use your charisma to get your foot in the door.take the lead even though you don’t always like being in charge. There is no time like the present. Friends and family will support you if you fall. Tonight: Story time. and a pile of dirty laundry. If you act like a gracious guest instead of a spoiled child, there will be no reason to feel embarrassed or ashamed.
**
DEAR ABBY: I’m 60 and was a stayat-home mom for 20 years. I have an associate degree in the field that I just got a job in. My problem is, at this age, I’m a little slower at learning new things. My supervisor was willing to help me for the first week, but now she seems to have lost patience with me.
I have been here barely two weeks, and she made a comment that made me feel terrible. She was trying to teach me a filing system, and I was having a hard time understanding it. She said in front of the entire office that “around here we have to use our brains.” Should I talk to her or just push through? – A LITTLE SLOWER
DEAR SLOWER: Let it slide this time. However, if her lack of tact continues, talk to her about how her comment made you feel. And in the meantime, learn that filing system.
Astrology
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Carve out a space for alone time. Just say “no” to parties and social events. Friends will understand. Use your imagination.a drawing pad and notebook is all you need to delve into new ways to express yourself. Tonight: Karaoke.
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Get together with friends who make you laugh. Keep the conversation light.a serious talk is for another time. Get tickets to a concert or sporting event. Order online. It might take time, but it is worth the wait. Tonight: Play trivia.
(Feb. 19-March 20): Share ideas with people you respect but whose views are different from yours. Incorporate those concepts into your work and think outside the box. Reward yourself for your efforts. Treat yourself to a frivolous yet inexpensive item. Tonight: Practice public speaking.