Woman alarmed to discover man lied about his last name

Dear Abby: I’ve recently started seeing someone, and we have shared a wealth of information about ourselves with each other. When I asked him his last name, he said it was “Erickson.” When I asked him if he had a middle name, he said he didn’t.

Soon after, I saw his driver’s license. It had a completely different last name and it turns out he does have a middle name after all. Now I’m starting to question everything he told me.

What reason would he possibly have to lie about such a simple thing? And how should I confront him about it? — Just Confused Dear Confused: The reason someone would give false information is usually because the person has something to hide. Unless “Mr. Erickson” is in witness

protection, my guess is he is married or has a criminal record. Rather than confront him and be lied to again, run in the opposite direction and cease any further contact with him!

Dear Abby: I am an avid fisherman with limited boating knowledge. Recently, a friend bought an older used boat that has questionable integrity. He keeps inviting me to go out on it, and I’m running out of excuses not to.

The real reason is my friend is inexperienced and the boat is unreliable. What’s the best way to handle this? — Leery Fisherman

Dear Leery: The way to approach it would be to tell your friend the truth. Ask if he has taken a boating safety course, and if the answer is no, suggest he do it.

As to the integrity of the vessel, ask your friend if the boat was inspected at the time of purchase, and if it wasn’t, urge him — for everyone’s safety — to have it done.

Dear Abby: My daughter has two children, a 7-year-old boy and a girl who is 4. They were at an event with some of her co-workers the other day. Everyone was talking to the younger child, telling her how cute she was and ignoring the older one.

I remember this happening with my girls. People seem to gravitate to the little ones and pay no attention to the

older ones. People, please be mindful of all the children. They are all precious. — Bothered Grandma

Dear Bothered: You’re right, this happens all too often. In a case like this, all it would have taken would have been for someone to have complimented your daughter on her son’s behavior and said within earshot of the boy how lucky the little one was to have such a “good boy” for an older brother. It takes only a moment to say something nice to someone of any age who needs the attention.