Parent has right to keep daughter from home where dad tokes up

your home instead. If your friends ask why, explain it just as you explained it to me.

As parents, it’s your job to protect her from influences you feel are not healthy or appropriate for her.

Dear Abby: “Fred” and I have been in a relationship for 10 years. During that time he has broken up with me six times. It’s always over something trivial, and it’s always my job to smooth things over and get us back together.

When we are together we have a good time, but I never know when the next breakup will happen. I love Fred, and he claims to love me. What’s your opinion of a man who constantly does this? —

Dear Perplexed: Fred may love you, but his definition of love and yours are different. He may be afraid of intimacy or not want to marry you — which is why he breaks up with you when he feels you are getting too close.

If all you want is a good time, and you’re willing to do all the work in the relationship, this may be enough for you. However, if it isn’t, then 10 years is more than enough time to invest in someone who treats you this way.

Dear Abby: About five years ago, a co-worker married a woman with four kids. Now, all he does is talk about one of the kids or his wife. He tells anyone who will listen about them — even total strangers.

When I pointed out to him a couple of years ago that he was constantly talking about one of the kids, he stopped for a week, and then started talking about another one. Lately it has been all about his wife. I’m sick of it. How do I tell him we’re fed up without damaging a 30-year friendship? —

Dear Stumped: You can’t. Obviously, the man’s wife and children are the center of his life, and he may not have much else to talk about. Be grateful it isn’t politics.