Wife upset about man’s ex-girlfriend
DEAR ABBY: I have a daughter-in-law I love to pieces and would never intentionally hurt in any way. I recently had contact with my son’s ex-girlfriend, “Kayley.” She had seen me at church with them, contacted me and came by our house for a visit.
She and my son were very young when they dated
(high school) and haven’t spoken in years. I stayed in contact with her off and on because I always thought a lot of her. Both of them have married others and created their own lives.
Our son and his wife live next door to us and were out of town the day Kayley stopped by, but returned before she left. My son chewed me out, and now my daughter-in-law won’t speak to me. She sent me a text saying I had crossed a line and how inconsiderate it was of me having Kayley drop by. She said it made her feel small and uncomfortable.
Was I wrong for inviting her to come by? — MonsterIn-law in Texas
DEAR M.I.L.: You weren’t wrong to stay in touch with someone you liked. And you should be free to entertain anyone you like in your home. It strikes me as sad that your daughter-in-law would react the way she has.
Because you want to keep peace in the family, refrain from having Kayley over, and see her elsewhere.
DEAR ABBY: Years ago, my wife and I decided together that I would work and she would raise the kids. Well, times and the economy have changed. We need a second income. Even a part-time retail job would help tremendously. I have made countless sacrifices to keep our home and lifestyle afloat. All the while she refuses to pursue anything except what she believes to be “her purpose” or what represents her “best self.”
What about me? My health? Our home? Our children and their education?
My resentment is growing. I work 60 hours a week and gave up a career I loved. — Resentful in the Midwest
DEAR RESENTFUL: Times have indeed changed, and your wife needs to wake up and accept that her dream job may have to be postponed because of circumstances beyond her (and your) control. Successful marriages are partnerships, and because being the sole wage earner has become so stressful that you would write to me about it, it’s time your wife took her head out of the clouds and faced reality. If a second income will take some of the stress off your shoulders, she needs to step forward.
DEAR READERS: Have a very happy and healthy Fourth of July, everyone. — Love, Abby
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.