Man passes on vegan cooking

Dear Abby: I retired after a 40-year career. A friend from work, “Bernie,” is the same age I am (62) but is still working.

Six years ago, I had a serious health crisis. Three years ago, Bernie survived a heart attack. Since then, Bernie worries incessantly about dying. He exercises rigorously and eats a strictly vegan diet. I like to spend time with him, but I’m more casual about diet and exercise.

Neither of us is going to be a GQ model, regardless of how much we diet or exercise. I say life should be enjoyed, but Bernie is too busy obsessing, compulsively taking medicine and working out.

Today he invited me out to supper. Instead of going to a restaurant, he said he was cooking another of his (not-tootasty) vegan meals. I don’t want to offend or discourage Bernie, but I hate his cooking. What should I do? Would a steak and a baked potato kill him? — Paunchy but happy in Kentucky

Dear Paunchy: Because you enjoy Bernie’s company, call him and tell him you would love to come to supper, but because you are a carnivore you will be bringing your own steak and potato with you, so fire up the broiler.

Dear Abby: We host many gatherings in our home during the year, including picnics. We have a downstairs bathroom that is intended for guests. But twice now, I have encountered guests using my upstairs bathroom. I have never offered it, and I’m offended that they take it upon themselves to go uninvited into private territory. I would never do that in someone else’s house. Am I wrong, or are they overstepping the boundaries here? — Wondering in the East

Dear Wondering: To use your upstairs bathroom without asking your permission is overstepping. The exception might be if the downstairs bathroom was in use, and the need to get into one was urgent. 19 20 22 24 26 27 30

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