Ask Amy: Abandoned child says no to father's friendship
It's so hard not to dwell on these things, especially when the four walls get a little closer with every passing week.
Should I bring up my disappointment the next time I speak with my family, friends and co-workers? Or should I let bygones be bygones?
-- Hurt
Dear Hurt: Your experience has taught you how to behave when someone you know is laid up. Many people do not have a sense about this.
Your experience might have also taught you how to behave when YOU are laid up: Don't wait for people to step up. Ask for what you need. Say, "I'm going a little stir crazy, can you swing by for a visit this week?"
By the same token, your husband could have communicated with his parents: "Claire and I are struggling to keep up. Could you bring over some dinner?"
You could let people closest to you know that you wish you had seen them during your confinement; otherwise, I think you should let it go.
Dear Amy: "Encroached Upon" rented from in-laws and didn't like the fact that they visited so frequently.
I rented from my parents. Unless everyone involved is a saint, this is a recipe for friction. My dad would walk by the house and ask, "Why is the laundry room light on? It doesn't look like you're doing laundry."
There is only one solution: for the sake of the relationship, they should move!
-- No Longer Encroached Upon
Dear No Longer: I agree.
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(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.)
