The Record (Troy, NY)

Spring is in the air

- — Concerned in Florida — A Faithful Reader “Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book — featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette — is available as a paperback and e- book. Visit http

DEAR READERS »

Spring is a beautiful season full of new beginnings. The hibernatin­g animals come out of their slumber to play. Daylight hours are longer, so there is more time to enjoy the warm sunshine. That can be used as more time to hike and play outside. Beautiful baby animals are born, and there are f lowers and more f lowers everywhere. The temperatur­es are usually moderate, making it a great time to start an outdoor exercise routine or perhaps some peaceful gardening.

If you broke your New Year’s resolution­s or if there is something that you would like to change or let go of, spring can be a great time for a fresh start and growth.

The following is my favorite poem about spring.

DEAR ANNIE » I fear that my stepgrands­on, “Tommy,” is a narcissist. As a child, he was bullheaded, and he forced others to give in to his wants and demands. He is now 19 and refuses to get a job. He was fired for laziness but lied and said that he had resigned.

His mother is the sole wage earner because her husband is an invalid and cannot work. Thus, it is mandatory that this boy find a job and pay for his own keep. He is physically strong and has a high IQ. My stepdaught­er is afraid to demand that her son get a job, because he becomes violent. Would you please tell his mother the proper way to confront her son so that he can become a constructi­ve member of society? DEAR CONCERNED » The first priority is your stepdaught­er’s safety. If she is truly afraid of Tommy because he becomes violent, then she must seek help. She can call The National Domestic Violence Hotline, at 800-799-7233.

Pointing out all of Tommy’s weaknesses is not the solution to this problem. Perhaps you could speak with him about the importance of getting a job. Start off the conversati­on by focusing on the two positive things you mentioned about him — that he is physically strong and has a high IQ. Leave the judgments about his laziness and narcissism at the door.

DEAR ANNIE » Your answer to “Sizzled in Sioux Falls” was good but missing one thing. I feel she should see a doctor and get a thorough checkup. There could be a whole host of medical reasons for why she’s running out of energy doing normal stuff. DEAR FAITHFUL READER » A great deal of readers correctly pointed out that a whole host of medical issues could be to blame. Thank you for writing.

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