Son's whirlwind womanizing has father worried
Is she taking advantage of him? Is he taking advantage of her? Stay tuned! But for now, what a relief -- because you don't have to know.
Dear Amy: I'm a 20-year-old student. I am very concerned for my mother.
I have a 34-year-old half-sister who is constantly dragging our mom into her destructive, abusive on-and-off relationship. Sadly, there are also children involved.
My sister leaves the children with my mom for the summer and during weekends throughout the year.
The children are under 10 years old, so this is a lot of work for my mom, who has just been diagnosed with diabetes.
My mom is constantly stressed about the next big drama going on in my sister's life.
Recently there was a situation with my sister, and my mom told me how stressed she was and how she feels like she is going to collapse.
How can I help? I think my mom needs to set up boundaries, but when I confront her, she always ends up defending my sister. My mom doesn't seem to take time for herself or put her health first.
-- Caring Daughter
Dear Daughter: You should do what you can to assist your mother -- while carefully guarding your own boundaries. From your description, your mother and your sister are locked into an unhealthy relationship. But also understand that because there are young children involved, your mother may feel both taken advantage of, and duty-bound, as she tries to help.
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