Niece seems determined to find trouble
DEAR ABBY: My niece, “Amanda,” is 19 and fairly close with my daughter “Hayley,” who is 18. Since graduating from high school and through her first year away at college, Amanda has been going out of town to meet men she meets online. Amanda shares her location with Hayley “in case something happens.” My niece is doing this without letting anyone (other than Hayley) know.
These aren’t just dinner dates, but usually weekends away from home. Hayley always tells me when Amanda is away. We are both concerned about her behavior, as human trafficking is very real.
I have tried talking to Amanda about it, but she insists she’s safe. My question is, should I tell my sister (her mom) or not? — Afraid for Her in Idaho
DEAR AFRAID: Amanda is playing with fire. If your daughter were walking on a ledge 20 stories above the sidewalk, thinking “she knows what she’s doing,” wouldn’t you want to be notified? Someone needs to get through to that girl.
DEAR ABBY: Iama 60-year-old female. Over the past 10 years, people have increasingly been calling me “Sir” in public. I hate it.
I go to the salon to get my hair and brows done and wear feminine attire and shoes. I have an athletic build, and I do wear T-shirts often. My response is, “My name is ‘Susan.’”
Do you have any other suggestions? It’s making me crazy. — All Woman in the South
DEAR ALL WOMAN: You are handling these comments as adeptly as possible. The person who addresses you as the wrong gender should be rightly embarrassed when you respond that your name is Susan. You should not have to change your appearance if you don’t wish to. Try handling the comments with humor and see if that works better.
DEAR ABBY: My aging father lives hundreds of miles away from me. I try to call him every day, but it feels like my calls are not welcome.
I am the only person he has contact with other than his caregivers. Should I keep trying or give up? — Discouraged Daughter in California
DEAR DAUGHTER: Do not give up. Is this normal behavior on your father’s part? If it isn’t, he should be examined by his doctor to ensure he hasn’t had a stroke or gone into a cognitive decline.
It’s very important you know his health status. Pay him a visit, if that’s possible. I cannot stress this too strongly.