Life Advice

/

Health

Mom has a 'Brad' problem

By Amy Dickinson, Tribune Content Agency on

Your daughter might be maturing into a more emotionally stable state. At 18, her brain is still developing. She should seek a professional diagnosis and therapy, even though she is feeling well right now.

You should ask her why she thinks she is feeling better lately. What are the most positive aspects of her life right now? Make sure she understands that alcohol use will trigger her depression. Double-check that she is using effective birth control.

A year on, you should create an exit strategy and timeline. And if your money is somehow funding Brad's drinking, then you should figure out how to plug that tap.

For now, provide shelter and food. Never give spending money for any purpose. Your daughter and Brad need to find work, and then (in perhaps six months), if you no longer want them in your household, they will need to move elsewhere. Make sure Stacy knows that you are not punishing her or giving up on her -- but that it is time for her to start living her own life -- with you in her corner, as always.

Dear Amy: I live in a six-unit condo building.

My neighbors are great, but one lacks courtesy and I don't know how to address it.

 

I own two parking spaces but rarely use the second space.

Whenever anyone asks to use it, I always consent.

My neighbor "Barbara's" visitors routinely park in my space, sometimes overnight, without asking.

Her fiance uses our shared condo basement as his personal workshop, and his stuff is everywhere.

...continued

swipe to next page

 

 

Comics

9 Chickweed Lane Between Friends Andy Marlette Drew Sheneman For Better or For Worse Joel Pett