Stepmom learns of teen’s shocking online activity

Dear Abby: I have been married to my husband for a little over three years. I have two teen girls, and he has one. They mostly get along, but lately my 18-year-old, “Lindsay,” and his 17-year-old, “Taylor,” have been clashing.

They were brought up very differently, and sometimes it causes waves because I expect more from my girls than he does his daughter. To be fair, my stepdaughter’s mother has serious issues and has never been a role model.

During one of these clashes, Lindsay told me Taylor has been doing explicit and dangerous things online. This was confirmed by her boyfriend. Lindsay, told me hoping to get Taylor in trouble or to lessen her in my eyes, since they were arguing. I “get” the inner workings of the teenage girl’s mind. It’s not always a kind place.

What do I do with this information? Should I tell her father? What purpose would it serve? If I don’t tell him, am I keeping a secret that I shouldn’t? — Knows Too Much In New York

Dear Knows: If you and your husband have investigated this and found it to be true, talk to Taylor. Point out that images she has posted online do not age out and disappear. They can linger forever, which could have serious consequences when she is older and looking at college, getting into the workforce, etc. While she can’t change what she has already done, she can wise up and quit what she has been doing now.

Dear Abby: A close friend has just announced out of the blue that she’s running for a prominent public office. It’s going to be a contentious race, and it’s likely to get ugly. She sent out messages this week to her friends assuming we will support her through our social networks, door knocking, hosting fundraising events and whatever else she needs. She said she’s looking forward to working with us.

Abby, the way her announcements are worded, I can tell she’s going to be blindsided when I decline her “request.” She assumes that because we are friends, I would want her in office. In my opinion, she’s not the best person for the job, and I have other civic engagements

I’m already committed to this year. I also feel that she should have actually asked. Is there any way I can maintain the friendship without supporting the candidate? I don’t see a graceful way out, and her conversation is already “us” vs. “them.” — Hiding Until The Primaries

Dear Hiding: Explain to your friend that you are already committed to other “civic engagements” this year and, because of time constraints, you can’t back out of them. Then wish her luck and send her a small financial contribution for her campaign “in the name of friendship.”