Ask Amy: Esteemed fellow caught pocketing poker chips
Your family maintains strict and discrete boundaries around this deeply personal issue.
I respect your choice, but wonder if you have shared any details about your own experience with infertility – at least with your daughter.
You might be able to do so without it seeming like a, “So, when are we going to get some grandchildren” prompt.
Letting her know about your experience might make a difference regarding her own health care.
Try: “We struggled with fertility issues before you and your brother were born. We never discussed it with our folks, but we wish we had. We’re not bugging you for grandkids – but if you want to discuss anything with us, we hope you’ll feel comfortable enough to bring it up.”
Dear Amy: Responding to “Desperate Housewife,” who was trying to cope with her husband’s hoarding, I spent an entire year cleaning up my partner's hoarding stash after he died.
I didn't even realize how stressful it was to live with that stuff until it was gone.
My partner used to say he wanted to rent storage units for his treasures. In hindsight, I wish I had encouraged him. He could have packed up all his newspaper clippings, empty bottles and obsolete utility bills and saved me the trouble.
I loved him dearly and I have heard that hoarders are usually dealing with some kind of loss. I wish I had been able to help him with that, too.
– Missing Him
Dear Missing: Thank you for your compassionate response. However, it is important to note that many hoarders also outgrow their storage units.
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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.)
©2023 Amy Dickinson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
