Ask Amy: Newcomer needs to find a ‘third place’
Richard Kyte reminds us: “Dinner parties are great ways to connect people who are looking for ways to broaden their social circle, but they may not be the best way to start out trying to make friends in a place where most people’s social ties are already broad and deep.
“Try finding ways to meet people gradually through social gatherings that are already established in your community: coffee shops, taverns, places of worship, service organizations. Let people get to know you in settings where they are comfortable, instead of asking them to meet you on your turf.
This is why “third places” (which are neither home nor work) are so important for meeting people and making friends. They serve as neutral ground where people aren’t burdened by the obligations of guest or host.”
Dear Amy: I have a dilemma which is common for my fellow baby boomers.
My mother married young and had five children.
Mom is now almost 90, the “kids” are senior citizens, and even the grandkids are mostly in their 30s.
Nobody wants the “stuff,” like Grandma’s china, that ended up in my garage with Mom’s move to assisted living.
I want my garage back!
I try talking to Mom about donating the unwanted stuff, but her response is that if I want to get rid of anything I should give it back to her, which is impossible.
She is in the early stages of dementia, and can’t really think practically anymore. Can I just go ahead and donate, without talking to her about it?
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