Grandparent feels that family has slowly been drifting apart

DEAR ABBY:

Two years ago, my son and his family moved a couple of hours away. He’s my only child. I know he’s busy with his wife, two children and his job, but I would like to hear from him more than every two weeks – or longer – just to know what is going on in their lives. He told me I could call him, but I feel like I’m imposing. I’d like to be more involved in their lives. I would also like to be closer to my daughter-in-law. We have had a couple of good phone conversations recently, but I sense that she wants her own space. I’m not an overbearing person, and I’m working on expectations vs. reality, being overly emotional when my expectations are not met and fear of sharing these emotions because I’m afraid my son and his wife won’t like what I have to say. I feel they have been pushing me away. What can I do, other than wait for them to call and work on how not to get upset when they don’t include me? They have let the grandchildren stay with me a couple of weeks at different times over the summer. I’m trying to do things with friends, but I really prefer being around my son and family because I feel happier (or used to). It has been heartbreaking. —WORKING ON IT DEAR WORKING ON IT: Your son has told you it’s all right to call him, so you should. Because of the blessing of modern technology, there are other options as well – texting, video chat, etc. If you are unfamiliar with them, make it a point to learn. Be grateful your son and his family are independent, and try harder to fill more of your time with hobbies and interests of your own. If you do, you will be a more interesting person to be around. Your son and his wife should not be the focus of your life the way he was when he was a child and you were responsible for him. It isn’t healthy for you or your relationship with them.

DEAR ABBY:

My fiance and I are in our late 20s and get into arguments about what time to leave a party. I usually need to leave around 11 p.m. or midnight, and I think he should leave when I do. I’m a full-time student with a full-time job, so I don’t go out often. Between school and work, I don’t have weekends off like he does. He accuses me of being selfish for wanting him to leave. He says he doesn’t want to be “lame.” I don’t think it’s appropriate for a woman to leave a party on her own. Am I selfish? Should I try to stay up later so he can have a good time? —PARTY ETIQUETTE DEAR PARTY ETIQUETTE: No, your job and your studies have to be your top priority. Years ago, I would have agreed that your fiance should leave with you. However, these days, women are more independent. Cellphones and ride-sharing have given us other options. Unless you are concerned that leaving alone would be dangerous, don’t turn it into an argument if he wants to stay. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. To receive a collection of Ab- by’s most memorable – and most frequently requested – poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby – Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.

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