Warring kids a barrier for dating couple

DEARABBY » I got married to a wonderful guy 14 years ago, but after a year of marriage, our children 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 himwithout our kids around.

Seven years ago, after his sonmoved out, I moved back in, but he won’t ask me to remarry him. My kids get along fine with him, but his son hatesme and refuses to come to any holiday or birthday celebration that I host.

Should I move out and move on?

— Hopeless inOhio

DEARHOPELESS » I wish you had mentioned why this “wonderful guy’s” son hates you. That thisman has allowed his son to dictate how the two of youwill spend your lives is very sad. Unless you can accept living with the status quo, the answer to your question is: Move on.

DEARABBY » 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.

Three days in, we both realized it was a poor idea to travel together for an extended period of time. 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

DEAROUTOFPOCKET » If you had the forethought to put INWRITING the fact you were lending this personmoney, you have a prayer of having the loan repaid. If you didn’t, you can try writing to this former friend, but legally it won’t be worth the paper your letter is written on.