Clutter crushes holiday spirit
DEAR ABBY: Every December my wife virtually buries our home in Christmas decorations. It’s not just the tree and stockings in the living room; she’s not happy until there are Christmas towels and Christmas soap in the bathroom and another tree and knicky-knacky stuff downstairs. Not even a doorknob is safe from decoration.
It drives me nuts; I feel so claustrophobic. I bump into these decorations everywhere I turn. I was raised differently, more simply. There was a tree in the living room and stockings hung from the mantel. That was it.
For the last 20 years of our marriage, I have suggested — unsuccessfully — that we compromise and alternate every other year. One year her way, the next mine. When I do, she tearfully accuses me of being Scrooge. I admit I’m not big on the commercialized Christmas season, but is my request unreasonable? — NOT FOND OF CHRISTMAS IN NORTH OGDEN, UTAH
DEAR NOT FOND: No, it’s not. You are suggesting meeting each other halfway. Your wife is unwilling to do that even though she knows she’s making you uncomfortable. And that’s regrettable because Christmas is supposed to be about what’s in the heart, not what’s all over the house.
DEAR ABBY: I just got asked to my first high school dance by “Josh,” a boy I really like. I don’t know what to do, what to wear or what to say. I don’t even know how to dance, and I don’t want to mess this up.
Josh is very popular and has done this before, but I haven’t. He’s my best friend, and I’m scared of losing him because I’m not good enough. Should I go, or call it off and just stay home? Maybe I’m just not meant for all this dating stuff. What should I do? — INEXPERIENCED IN NEVADA
DEAR INEXPERIENCED: If you weren’t “good enough,” Josh wouldn’t have invited you to the dance. Because you haven’t danced before, ask him to give you some pointers before the big night. If you do, I’m sure he’ll be glad to help.
As to what to wear, if any of your girlfriends have attended the dances, ask them for suggestions. However, if none of them have been to a school dance either, ask any female relative of the same age — or ask Josh.