Ask Amy: Eldest sibling worries about eldercare
What should I do? Should I say something to her, or keep this to myself?
– Very Confused in Missouri
Dear Very Confused: You mention that your friend “Stacy” is behaving in a way that is out of character, but your description of her current behavior actually seems to be consistent with her character.
To clarify, “catfishing” is the practice of someone pretending to be someone else online, in order to “fish for” – and catch – unsuspecting people who are most often looking for a romantic relationship.
The catfish is basically a predator who victimizes people, sometimes scamming money from them, and almost always creating an entirely false romance with them. This is emotional as well as financial larceny.
Catfishing can become something of an addiction for perpetrators, who may get a rush from the power of these entanglements, in addition to financial gain.
Stacy is always showing up with a man who is not her husband. You saw an explicit text message on her phone that you find disturbing. She has a history of being a catfish.
Yes, you should ask her what she is up to. Prepare yourself for her answer.
Dear Amy: I love the answers that people use responding to intrusive questions, when these answers shut the conversation down.
I have one grown son who I could not love more.
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