Kids take a back seat when grandfather needs care
I miss my parents, and my kids miss their grandparents!
-- Want Them Back
Dear Want: As much as I would like to answer your letter by saying, "I DON'T CARE!," I won't do that, because I have a shred of compassion toward you. And you should have a shred of compassion toward your parents. It is hard to imagine that these people you are so desperate to spend time with raised such a selfish, self-centered person.
For the next phase of their lives, your folks are going to be wrapped up in this hard thing they are doing. Your mother is going to be at least as concerned about your grandfather as you are about your kids' laundry. So yes, for now her life will be all about him. Deal with it.
You should suck it up, and find ways to support your parents during this challenging time. If you want to see them, take the kids to visit. It would probably be good for your children to witness some multigenerational loving kindness.
Dear Amy: I need advice on how to help my sister, "Betsy." Betsy was married for eight years to a guy who lied, took drugs and was verbally abusive.
Thank goodness, they got divorced two years ago.
Since then she has tried flirting with some guys at her work, only to be shot down. Basically, they only like her as a friend.
She briefly tried online dating, again without much success. She talked to a couple of guys (at different times) who said they would like to get to know her better, but they ghosted her after she suggested meeting in person.
This has led to loneliness and self-pity. She says she wishes she was numb so she doesn't have to feel the heartache.
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