Impoverished parents now ask for more
Any suggestions?
-- Wondering
Dear Wondering: Wow, you're right. There is no one word to describe a parent's status after the death of a child.
I understand the impulse to dodge this awkwardness. But I also think that if you are able, you could respond to the question: "How many children do you have?" by saying, "We had three children, but our daughter, 'Charlotte' died many years ago."
Say your child's name.
Dear Amy: I couldn't believe your sexist, one-sided response to the so-called "Caring Husband," who reported that his wife continues to report that he does not listen to her.
Amy, I don't know what is wrong with you. This guy is being patently disrespectful to his wife, and you totally let him off the hook.
-- Disappointed
Dear Disappointed: "Caring Husband" reported that he is in a loving relationship with his wife. He was seeking to address this ongoing issue between them. And I offered him support for trying to change, as well as a commonsense solution (having regular family meetings, where he makes it a point to listen with intention).
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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.)
