Son with new girlfriend grows distant from mom

Dear Abby: I’m a mom of three young adults, a daughter and two sons. The oldest recently married. My youngest is finishing his last two years of college out of state. Three months ago, he met a young lady.

I have tried to be close with all my children, but the youngest has always kept me at bay. He expresses how different we are. Now that he has met this young lady, I think he’s trying to push me further away. It makes me sad because no matter how hard I try to be a good mother and be present, it doesn’t work. What do you suggest? — Sad Mom in Mississippi

Dear Mom: Your son is pursuing not only this young lady, but also his independence, which is normal for someone his age, and he may need to separate from you for a while. Back off for now and allow him some space. Whether this college romance will pan out is anyone’s guess, so calm down. Concentrate on things other than your empty nest.

Dear Abby: My husband of 49 years is fightingme left and right about finding someone to help around our house. He is stubborn. He doesn’t want anyone to assist him in anything. If I hire someone, he always has a negative comment about that person’s workmanship.

He thinks life will wait for him to complete any task, even if it takes another 49 years. I need help with his “I can handle it” attitude while everything stays on hold until he can get to it.— Needs It Yesterday in Michigan

Dear Needs It: Give your husband a deadline to either finish a project or hire it done, making clear that if he doesn’t do it, you will see it gets done. Be prepared for him not to take the message gracefully.

Contact Dear Abby at www. DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.