Mom wants adult son to step up at home
-- Concerned Mother
Dear Concerned: Your son is a functioning adult. Obviously, you have every right to expect him to step up at home. But your inability to ask him to step up is your own problem -- not his.
There is no "attitude" involved in communicating your needs clearly. You speak to him adult-to-adult, and expect him to understand and do what he can to comply.
It is not unusual in the current job climate to spend several months interviewing at various companies for a professional position. You should assume that this is a potentially lengthy process.
Have a meeting with your son. Say, "Here's what I need from you in order for this to work, longer term." Surely there are ways he can help with your grandson and your parents. Assign regular and reasonable tasks that will help to relieve your burden.
If he is receiving unemployment insurance or has savings, he should pay toward living expenses while he is with you. If he doesn't have income or savings, he should also look for a part-time job in order to help with the bills while he is living with you.
Dear Amy: I'm responding to the question from "Kathy in Colorado," who was shocked when she and her friend were asked to vacate their table at a cafe to make room for other customers.
When we retired a few years ago, my husband and I started taking trips. We often stop for coffee in small towns.
In one cute little Vermont college town, a well-frequented cafe had signs above the tables, basically saying: "Please use for up to two hours" or "Please stay no longer than 30 minutes" -- something to that effect.
We were in this town for several days, and noticed people engaged in what seemed to be lengthy conversations, or studying with their laptops at the "long-use" tables, while others enjoyed coffee and bagels at the "short" ones.
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