DEAR ABBY: My husband and I not too long ago moved out of state. His solely dwelling relative, a sister, not too long ago came around.
She has by no means been married. She is a retired skilled and has a great retirement, particularly since she has no kids.
Throughout her go to, she gave us a housewarming greeting card with a $50 Visa present card. This was uncommon as she has by no means in 50 years given us cash. (She’s very tight together with her cash and all the time insists on paying for her a part of any restaurant invoice individually.)
Whereas she was right here, I made a remark about her paying for a $5 espresso for her brother, and she or he grew to become extremely offended. (I knew she can be, so I type of goaded her.) She then talked about the $50 present card she gave us and stated I most likely didn’t even inform her brother about it although he was within the room when she gave it to us.
We don’t want her cash, and I need to mail it again to her and say thanks for the thought, however we don’t want it. What do you suppose I ought to do?
— THANKS, NO THANKS, IN FLORIDA
DEAR THANKS: Actually? I feel that moderately than attempt to create extra issues together with your sister-in-law, you must write her and apologize in your remark concerning the $5 espresso.
As a substitute of returning the present card, be gracious and settle for it. Disgrace on you for knowingly stirring the pot.
DEAR ABBY: I’m a widow. My associate died 10 months in the past. We had been collectively for seven years however by no means married.
I’ve now discovered a associate who’s 12 years youthful than I’m. We love one another and need to be married. My downside is, he’s solely separated from his spouse.
He says he doesn’t need her and he hates her as a result of she betrayed him. They’re getting a divorce, but when I stick with him, I really feel that I’ll be stepping between them.
What ought to I do — keep and hope for one of the best, or go away him?
— IN THE MIDDLE IN MASSACHUSETTS
DEAR IN THE MIDDLE: This romance is in its infancy. You have got been widowed for less than 10 months. There’s knowledge within the adage that after a trauma just like the one you will have suffered, an individual ought to make no necessary choices for a yr.
Has this man or his spouse filed the divorce papers, or is he solely excited about it? If the papers have been filed, then you aren’t coming between him and his spouse.
Divorce will also be traumatic, and, frankly, I’m shocked that this man would ponder remarriage earlier than his divorce is ultimate. Quite than resolve whether or not to depart him, take your time and see how this relationship performs out.
DEAR READERS: Completely happy Father’s Day to fathers all over the place — beginning fathers, stepfathers, adoptive and foster fathers, grandfathers and all of you caring males who mentor kids and fill the position of absent dads. P.S. Additionally, a giant shout-out to dual-role mothers. I applaud you all — immediately and each day. — LOVE, ABBY
Expensive Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also referred to as Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Expensive Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Field 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
