Mother sees danger everywhere as her daughter leaves for college

Dear Abby: I’m the proud mom of a wonderful 21-year-old daughter whom I find myself worrying about more and more lately. She just graduated from our local college and is heading to medical school in another state six hours away.

Rationally, I know she’ll be fine and can take care of herself, but I am terrified that something will happen to her and I won’t be there. My husband and daughter keep telling me nothing will happen and I need to calm down.

My question is, how do I go about staying calm when there is danger everywhere? Aren’t my fears justified? Or am I overreacting like they keep telling me?

— Worried Mom In

Alabama

Dear Worried Mom: You are overreacting. Many parents experience the fears you are having to some degree when their child leaves home.

While tragedies do sometimes occur, they can happen when a parent is present as well as when their child is absent. These incidents are magnified when they dominate the news cycle. If you are unable to control your anxiety, a licensed therapist may be able to help you regain your balance.

Dear Abby: Recently I’ve noticed more people saying “Excuse you” instead of “Excuse me” if someone is in their way.

I consider it very rude, since the person being addressed often has no idea he or she is in the way before something is said.

What’s an appropriate response when someone says “Excuse you”?

— Excuse Me In The Midwest

Dear Excuse Me: This is what I would say: “Excuse me? Excuse YOU! If you need to get by, all you have to do is ask politely.”