Ask Amy: If you can’t save the marriage, protect the assets
Dear Empty Nest: First this: Do your children know Thanksgiving’s backstory? Your hospitality is what this unique holiday is all about!
They are reacting selfishly, and their basic motivation is that they simply don’t want to share.
However, these experiences can be very impactful for everyone involved; in fact, two of my brothers-in-law met their (international student) spouses under very similar circumstances.
I think you should call their bluff. Give them a heads up that you’ll be hosting. And if they don’t want to come home, perhaps they will find a generous family in their college town who will take them in.
Dear Amy: “Generous Gram” wrote to you regarding her grandchildren who didn’t thank her for her generous monetary gifts.
She should ty this: Send a check and don’t sign it. When they call or text to address the issue, don’t respond.
— Uncle Been There
Dear Uncle: Many people have responded, suggesting this “don’t sign the check” gambit. Looks like a lot of people have “been there.”
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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.)
©2021 Amy Dickinson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
