In-Laws Bemoan Son-in-Law's Promotion Prospects
I assume some of this news is filtered through conversations with your daughter. She might want to pick up a book I have found helpful: "Who Gets Promoted, Who Doesn't, and Why: 10 Things You'd Better Do If You Want to Get Ahead," by Donald Asher (2007, Ten Speed Press).
DEAR AMY: I have been in a relationship with my ex for eight years. Last year she got pregnant and we moved in together, and that's when things got bad. We argued all the time. I couldn't do anything right and we ended up separating when the baby was a month old. We tried some contact but argued and then I never saw her or the baby until recently. I can see where I went wrong and where we both went wrong but now she hates me. I've asked her back but she's moved to a new house and has evil new friends and her parents hate me, too. Is there any help or anything I can do now or is my love now dead? -- M
DEAR M: Given the dynamic between you two, you should not focus on reconciliation, but thoroughly and completely on the welfare of your child. You have legal rights and responsibilities. If you step up to help care for and support your child, your relationship with your child's mother should improve and you and your baby will both gain through your connection with each other.
Seek legal guidance and parenting advice through your local Department of Family and Children's Services. Check fatherhood.gov to connect with mentoring programs for dads in your area.
DEAR AMY: I appreciated your answer to "Birthday Brooder," whose family was about to spring a big birthday surprise on her grouchy sister.
I'm like this sister. I hate surprises. I always feel ambushed and feel like I don't react the right way. -- No Surprise
DEAR SURPRISE: Big gift surprises are loaded; as I said in my answer, I would rather look forward to something than have it jump out at me.
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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook. Amy Dickinson's memoir, "The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Mother, a Daughter and the Town that Raised Them" (Hyperion), is available in bookstores.)
