Expensive Abby: My husband and I not too long ago moved out of state. His solely dwelling relative, a sister, not too long ago came over. She has by no means been married. She is a retired skilled and has retirement, particularly since she has no youngsters.
Throughout her go to, she gave us a housewarming greeting card with a $50 Visa reward card. This was uncommon as she has by no means in 50 years given us cash. (She’s very tight along with her cash and at all times insists on paying for her a part of any restaurant invoice individually.)
Whereas she was right here, I made a remark about her paying for a $5 espresso for her brother, and he or she turned extremely offended. (I knew she can be, so I type of goaded her.) She then talked about the $50 reward card she gave us and stated I in all probability didn’t even inform her brother about it though he was within the room when she gave it to us.
We don’t want her cash, and I wish to mail it again to her and say thanks for the thought, however we don’t want it. What do you suppose I ought to do? — Thanks, No Thanks in Florida
Expensive Thanks: Actually? I feel that moderately than attempt to create extra issues together with your sister-in-law, you must write her and apologize on your remark concerning the $5 espresso. As an alternative of returning the reward card, be gracious and settle for it. Disgrace on you for knowingly stirring the pot.
Expensive Abby: I’m a widow. My associate died 10 months in the past. We have been collectively for seven years however by no means married. I’ve now discovered a associate who’s 12 years youthful than I’m. We love one another and wish to be married. My downside is, he’s solely separated from his spouse. He says he doesn’t need her and he hates her as a result of she betrayed him. They’re getting a divorce, but when I stick with him, I really feel that I’ll be stepping between them. What ought to I do — keep and hope for the very best, or go away him? — Within the Center in Massachusetts
Expensive within the Center: This romance is in its infancy. You’ve been widowed for under 10 months. There’s knowledge within the adage that after a trauma just like the one you may have suffered, an individual ought to make no essential choices for a yr.
Has this man or his spouse filed the divorce papers, or is he solely excited about it? If the papers have been filed, then you aren’t coming between him and his spouse. Divorce can be traumatic, and, frankly, I’m stunned that this man would ponder remarriage earlier than his divorce is ultimate. Reasonably than determine whether or not to depart him, take your time and see how this relationship performs out.
Expensive Readers: Completely satisfied Father’s Day to fathers in all places — delivery fathers, stepfathers, adoptive and foster fathers, grandfathers and all of you caring males who mentor youngsters and fill the position of absent dads.
P.S. Additionally, an enormous shout-out to dual-role mothers. I applaud you all — as we speak and day-after-day. — Love, Abby
Expensive Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also referred to as Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Expensive Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Field 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
