Woman is torn between career and motherhood
We recently approached the parents about it; they claim the problem is our fault because our plants (in large containers) are situated at the edge of our driveway (on our property).
Amy, we have been here over 30 years and these neighbors are relative newcomers. We don't want to be difficult, but what should we do?
-- Negative Neighbor
Dear Neighbor: You should deal with the children directly when they smash soccer balls into your garage or planters. Presumably their parents also have a garage they can use as a backstop. Simply tell them, "Hey, guys, you're going to have to play facing a different direction. I don't like it when you smash the ball into my garage and plants."
In short, I'm suggesting that you need to get comfortable being the, "Kids, get off my lawn" guy. It sounds as if their folks should invest in a portable backstop.
Dear Amy: I can't believe you didn't come down harder on "Caught in the Middle," the ridiculous parents who put up with their 20-year-old daughter shacking up with her boyfriend in their house.
You all need to get real.
-- Disgusted
Dear Disgusted: These parents had delivered an ultimatum; their daughter had chosen to move out. Seems real enough to me.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
