Widow frets over new beau, family

Dear Abby: My husband of 37 years passed away four months ago. When we were first married, we were happy, but his drinking increased and he turned into a miserable, mean drunk.

One month after his funeral, I was contacted out of the blue by my high school sweetheart. I was reluctant to respond at first, but I decided it couldn’t hurt to meet him and enjoy dinner and conversation.

The attraction was immediate. It felt like we were back in high school. It has been three months now, and we are ready to take our relationship to the next level.

But I’m still concerned about how my children feel about me seriously dating so soon after becoming a widow.

Longing For Love in the Midwest

Dear Longing: If you explain to your adult children that you and your friend from long ago have reconnected, they shouldn’t react badly to the news. However, a word of caution: This is still a budding relationship.

If “taking the relationship to the next level” means dashing off to marry this person, take more time before making a formal commitment.

Dear Abby: Iama 55-year-old woman. My problem: About 20 years ago, my parents borrowed money from me to fix their home so they could sell it. After it sold, not only did they not pay me back, but they moved in with me. They have been staying here rent-free for the last five years. In additions, my sister was living with her boyfriend when their relationship imploded. So she moved back to New England and moved in with us. She is not paying rent either and brought her two dogs with her. Please give me some advice.

Going Bonkers in Massachusetts

Dear Going Bonkers:

You have been a pushover. Contact an attorney for help, because you may have to evict these relatives. Grow a backbone and TELL your parents you want them not only to move but to take your sister and her dogs with them.

I SINCERELY hope you have something in writing memorializing the loan you gave your folks because, if you don’t, you probably will not see that money again. (Sorry.)