DEAR ABBY: Daughter finds happiness by ghosting mother, siblings.
Dear Abby:
I’m in my mid-30s and about a year ago I went from limited contact to no contact with two siblings and my mother. No single incident caused this. I just find I am much happier without their presence in my life.
I am married, content, take joy in my job and am otherwise fulfilled. I do not miss their general negativity, peevish behavior or critical comments. My question is this: Do I owe them an explanation? After years of not enjoying our contact, is it OK to finally end it once and for all? — Detached in Texas
Dear Detached:
You do owe your mother and siblings an explanation. Because what has caused you to withdraw is their “negativity, peevish behavior and critical comments,” say so. Turning your back on your family with no explanation at all is cowardly.
Dear Abby:
I have a co-worker with a troubling psychosis that has left me afraid to wear certain colors or say certain words around him. He has allowed a college football rivalry to impact his relationship with co-workers.
I would really like to wear my maize and blue sweater, but I’m fearful of his reaction. He’s from Ohio and is negatively obsessed with Michigan. When you won’t acknowledge another co-worker from that state and require all your coworkers to refer to Michigan as the “MState” or you storm off in anger, there is an issue. What should I do? — Afraid In New Mexico
Dear Afraid:
Discuss what has been happening with human resources or your boss. This is a textbook example of bullying and creating a hostile work environment. Your clothing choices should not be dictated by a fellow employee.
Dear Abby:
I have a wonderful friend who lost her husband 10 years ago. Since then, she and his family have done a balloon launch celebrating his birthday every year. However, over the years it has become common knowledge how detrimental these balloon releases can be to the environment and wildlife.
I would like to suggest trying a different way to celebrate, but I don’t want to upset her. Should I say something? — Remembering in the Midwest
Dear Remembering:
You can say something, but pose it as a question. Example: “Have you considered celebrating his life by doing ‘X,’ which would have less of an impact on wildlife and the environment?”