Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Friend playing cupid neglects to mention man’s drug habit

- ABIGAIL VAN BUREN 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 P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069 or visit www.DearAbby.com

Dear Abby: My hairdresse­r, former neighbor and friend recommende­d her unemployed brother to do some minor repairs to my home. He and his sister were trying to push me into a relationsh­ip. I am a widow with no children. I have no mortgages, car notes, etc. I’m not wealthy, but I am well set.

My hairdresse­r recently mentioned that her brother was using crack cocaine again. I’m furious that she didn’t disclose her brother’s addiction sooner. Should

I let it go or confront her about this? I really don’t want to lose my hairdresse­r. —

Styled Right In The South Dear Styled: You are certainly free to ask your hairdresse­r why she didn’t tell you her brother had a crack habit before recommendi­ng him to do repairs in your home. It’s a fair question, if nothing is missing and the repairs were done properly. Refrain from doing it while you are angry. If you hang onto your temper, there is no reason why your relationsh­ip with the woman should end.

As to a relationsh­ip with the brother, no law says you must have one with him. You don’t have to be confrontat­ional, but be less available. As you spend more time with other people, he will get the message.

Dear Abby: My son (age 30) is getting a liver transplant soon, and my ex-husband (son’s father) refuses to use personal protective equipment in his encounters with others because he thinks his civil liberties are being violated. We don’t communicat­e often because the new wife is a very unpleasant person who took my house away 10 years ago. I’m OK with that because I landed on my feet in a much better situation, but I do not trust her or speak to her.

I have left posts on Facebook requesting that those who intend to help my son use PPE for at least two weeks before seeing him. So far, my ex has not responded. How can I get him to understand that this is his child and not wearing PPE could kill him? — Covid Concerned In Georgia

Dear Covid Concerned:

Your son’s transplant specialist should be asked to send your ex a registered letter explaining the precaution­s that must be taken if he visits his son and how important they are. I am crossing my fingers that the doctor will do it. But your son must understand that if Daddy is unwilling to cooperate, he (your son), not you, is the person who must enforce that rule because he will be immuno-compromise­d, and his life depends on it. As much as you might wish to, you cannot police every encounter Daddy has with his adult son.

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