Father- daughter display of affection is acceptable

I went through a divorce recently and have already found a woman I love. I have children — three boys and a daughter — I love very much. I’m currently paying child support to my ex for my 15-yearold daughter.

I’m a first-generation American from Latin America, and I have a question regarding holding hands with my daughter in public. I spoke with my mother about it and she told me she hugged, kissed and held hands with her father until the time she moved away from home. My significant other says holding hands with my daughter is not appropriate in public.

As a father, I want my daughter to feel she can hold my hand if she’s inclined. I will not discourage her because I love her. I understand that one day she may no longer want to do that, and I would accept her wish. Because I live in the United States, I need to know whether the custom of daughters showing affection for their fathers is acceptable here in the U.S.

I’m glad you asked. There is absolutely wrong with a girl holding her father’s hand or demonstrating affection by hugging or kissing him on the cheek!

Your new love interest may be jealous of the relationship you have with your daughter. And if that’s the case, it is a red warning flag. Explain to your girlfriend that this is how people act in the culture you come from.

After 10 years and good relations with my prior hairdresser, I switched to a new beautician. The shop is an hour closer to my home and less expensive.

On my most recent visit to my new hairdresser, she was putting color on her first client of the day. I waited patiently for a halfhour past my scheduled appointment time. When she was done with that client, she asked me if I was in a hurry. Trying to be polite, I said, “No, not really.” So she went into the back room and then outside with coffee and cigarettes for a break.

After waiting 15 more minutes, she finally took me. How should I handle this the next time I see her? Should I continue to see her? Should I speak up or just chalk it up that she was having a bad day?

An experienced hairdresser usually puts color on her first client and then, while the color is processing, starts her next one. Your mistake was not having told the stylist how you felt about being kept waiting for a half-hour. Also, when asked whether you would mind if she kept you waiting even longer, instead of being “polite” and fuming, you should have been honest.

— Divorced Dad in Columbus Dear Divorced Dad: — Hurry up and Wait in West Virginia Dear Hurry Up and Wait: