Boyfriend’s son is refusing to go to family events that reader is attending

Dear Abby: I got married to a wonderful guy 14 years ago, but after a year of marriage, our children (his 10-year-old and my

12- and 13-year-olds) couldn’t stand one another and caused a lot of problems. I was brokenhearted when he gave me divorce papers. I moved out but continued to date him without our kids around. Seven years ago, after his son moved out, I moved back in, but he won’t ask me to remarry him. My kids get along fine with him, but his son hates me and refuses to come to any holiday or birthday celebration that I host.

Should I move out and move on?

— Hopeless in Ohio

Dear Hopeless: I wish you had mentioned why this “wonderful guy’s” son hates you. Could it be he blames you for the failure of his parents’ marriage, or was it something else? That this man has allowed his son to dictate how the two of you will spend your lives is very sad. Unless you can accept living with the status quo, the answer to your question is: Move on.

Dear Abby: in 2014, I loaned a family friend $5,000. At the time, and ever since, I never asked the reason for the loan. Over time we lost touch. However, we recently reconnected and decided to go on a road/camping trip throughout the West. Three days in, we both realized it was a poor idea. He has now become quite nasty and speaks ill of me. Should I write and request payment of the loan or let it go?

— Out of Pocket

in Vegas

Dear Out Of Pocket:

If you had the forethought to put IN WRITING the fact you were lending this person money, you have a prayer of having the loan repaid. If you didn’t, you can try.