Couple faces challenges as careers take divergent paths

Dear Abby: My partner, “Andrew,” and I have been together for four years. I’m a high school teacher, and he works for a major department store. Andrew has always wanted to be a flight attendant and now has the opportunity to interview for a position with a regional carrier. If he gets the job, he will have to relocate to the mid-Atlantic.

I want him to follow his dreams and be successful, and I want to support him, but right now I’m not in a position financially to leave my job and go with him. Although I’m a good teacher, there is additional education I need to pursue, and I have worked with my department chair on a five-year plan that includes some study abroad. I hope to teach at a community college in the future, but what if I’m not hired close to where Andrew works? How do I deal this? — Messed Up Man in Massachusetts

Dear Messed Up Man: You recognize that some challenges lie ahead for you and Andrew if you are both going to live your dreams and achieve your full potential.

Separation doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship if you are both determined not to let it.

Dear Abby: Another birthday is coming up for one of my grandchildren and there is absolutely nothing we can think of that she doesn’t already have five of. We are simple people but love our grandchildren and would like to get them something original once in a while. Our kids buy them everything they want in every color and style. Our grandkids have clothes they wear once and toys that are still in the packages. Spending time would be a good idea except they want to be entertained at expensive attractions and are bored with just spending time together.

We want to be part of their lives, but we don’t have a clue as to how to do it. Can you help? — Out of Ideas in Florida

Dear Out of Ideas :Is there anything that you can make for your grandchildren that cannot be found in a store — perhaps from your oven? Many grandchildren have fond memories of Grandma’s brownies, etc. If the answer is yes, then bring — or send — a package.

I say this because my grandmother, Rose Phillips, used to have the most wonderful brownies. If she had sent me a box, I would have been delighted.

Something like this is a gift that only you can give.