Do disadvantaged parents deserve warm winters?
It is always appropriate, and -- regardless of the ex-in-law relationship -- it should be done.
You start like this: "Dear Carol, Randy told me you are ailing. I'm so sorry to hear that. You've been such a wonderful grandmother (Randy is so crazy about you), and more than that -- you've influenced me so much over the years!"
Then you share stories, memories, and affection -- without being sappy or maudlin.
Dear Amy: Thank you, thank you for explaining "gaslighting" to the woman who signed her letter "Gaslit."
She claimed her husband was gaslighting her by not mowing the lawn.
Amen to your suggestion that she should mow the lawn herself!
-- Grateful
Dear Grateful: The term "gaslighting" has increased so much in popularity that it now seems to be used as a blanket term for when two people are in conflict. However, it has a very specific context, pulled directly from the wonderful movie: "Gaslight."
========
(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.)
