Boyfriend ruins family get-togethers
Dear Abby: We get our children and grandchildren together twice a year. Our oldest daughter has a significant other the rest of our family cannot stand. He’s an arrogant, competitive knowit-all.
We have been around him only twice — the last two times the family got together. The second time was a disaster for the rest of us. Should we tell her we don’t want to invite him this year, and how do we say it?
Tentative in Florida
Dear Tentative: Talk to your daughter about this. Her significant other may be so self-centered he doesn’t realize he’s being obnoxious.
Ask her to ask him to dial back his need to compete, impress, cover for his own insecurity — whatever drives him. Then give him one more chance. If that fails, do not invite him again, and tell her why.
Dear Abby: I had a relationship with a wonderful woman for almost six years. During the course of our relationship, I purchased a rather expensive precious stone — exactly what she wanted — with the intent of giving it to her as a promise ring. We have since gone our separate ways, but we still communicate.
Because it was purchased for her, I am tempted to give her the stone. At the same time, I have entertained the notion of keeping it and giving it to my future life partner, should I meet someone I care for that deeply. Your guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Romancing the Stone
Dear Romancing: Because the two of you still communicate, why not mention to her that you have the stone and ask if she would like to have it. If she says no, you can always offer it to someone else.
Dear Abby: A friend of mine has a 70-pound dog that behaves badly. When I visit her, it sprints out of the front door, barking, and jumps on my car. It has left 3 1/2-inchlong deep scratches on two of my vehicles. She yells at it, and eventually the dog stops, but not before jumping on me and leaving me muddied and snagged. How can I avoid further damage to my car and clothing without damaging my friendship?
Assaulted in Austin
Dear Assaulted: Find the courage to tell your friend you are willing to visit only if she confines her dog so it won’t cause further damage to you and your property.