Grandma rejects family due to 'cougar' accusation
Dear Wondering: You should tell your children, "Grandma seems to be struggling with something; it has nothing at all to do with you, and I'm hoping to clear things up with her, but I think it's going to take some time."
Write to her. Deny all accusations. Do not accuse her family members of jealousy -- you don't want to back her into a corner.
Affirm your affection and warm feelings. Remind her of your long and loving history. Tell her that the kids love and miss her, and tell her that you hope she will see it in her heart to stay in all of your lives.
The rest is up to her. She may be boxed in by these family members. If so, there is not much you can do -- other than be patient and hope that she comes around.
Periodic newsy and neutral emails/letters catching her up on your lives (and asking about hers) might help her to move forward.
She may want to let this matter pass without discussing it, and if this is the case, I think you should let her. Let your relationship normalize again, and table a more serious discussion until you're both on firmer footing.
Dear Amy: I still have feelings for my old college crush! She laughed at my jokes, talked to me every day and overall was just really important to me.
We haven't talked in two years, and I want to reach out to her. Would it be weird to do so?
-- Worried Grad
Dear Worried: No, it would not be weird to reach out to a college friend.
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