Depressed couple is at relationship impasse
We could choose another one's choice, or keep our own.
This went all the way down to the youngest.
We all still laugh about how much fun it was and they decided to do the same thing this year.
-- Gift Problem Solved!
Dear Problem Solved!: This seems to be a version of "Yankee Swap," and I absolutely love it.
In my family, during the bulging years of more kids and spouses, we drew names at the table after Thanksgiving dinner (you drew as many names as were in your own immediate family).
Now we exchange mainly homemade gifts, and donate to charities in one another's names.
Dear Amy: The letter from "Upset Ex," the woman with a manipulative ex-husband who kept going after her for money, is someone who needs encouragement to seek therapy and support.
Even kindhearted people with good boundaries struggle with manipulation that involves a suicide threat. She was married to this man for a long time.
I think your suggestion of a social worker for him is great, but she is likely to need help with the emotional pain of having an ex who struggles in the way he does.
My heart goes out to her.
-- Debra
Dear Debra: I agree that she might need professional help, too.
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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)
