DEAR ABBY: I really like my doorman. I’m married and older than he’s. He’s married, too. I’ve identified him for years, and I flirt with him on a regular basis. He flirts again and will get actually purple within the face.
Someday, he got here as much as my house to assist me with one thing. I purposely had on a see-through slip. I wished to kiss him. I did catch him watching me, however he was very well mannered and didn’t attempt something. I’m simply questioning whether or not I ought to attempt to kiss him subsequent time or attempt to keep away from him. He actually makes me loopy. — BIG CRUSH IN NEW YORK
DEAR CRUSH: You owe your doorman an apology for what you have got been doing. Should you care in any respect for this particular person, don’t jeopardize his job by taking this additional. Should you do, this journey won’t have a cheerful ending.
DEAR ABBY: My stepdaughter has an 11-year-old daughter I’ll name “Kristina.” Kristina may be very well-behaved, however she’s being taught at residence that love is measured in {dollars}. She is continually hinting about presents and sweet she desires. It has gotten so unhealthy that after I maintain her, I postpone errands as a result of she invariably finds one thing in each retailer that she wants or desires.
I don’t thoughts shopping for her issues every so often, however the gadgets I buy are typically returned to the shop or bought by her mom. Though Kristina is an solely youngster, she isn’t my solely grandchild.
If I purchase a present for an additional grandchild, I’ve to cover it as a result of Kristina thinks it’s hers. If she sees cash on my dresser, she talks about how a lot money others have given her. She helps herself to our sweet dish with out asking permission and typically muses about what number of presents useless kinfolk would have given to her in the event that they had been nonetheless alive.
Then there’s her birthday. After Christmas annually, she begins hinting that her birthday is developing. Abby, she was born in JULY! For six months, virtually with out exception, she brings up her birthday in each dialog till she’s positive I’ve purchased her a present. I’ve tried quite a lot of responses, however she’s not getting the trace.
Don’t even recommend that I discuss along with her mother and father about it, as a result of they spend cash they don’t have to purchase her presents after which wrestle to pay payments. In addition they don’t appear to understand what we do for them and don’t all the time thank us. Every other solutions you can give me could be appreciated. — TIRED OF THE MANIPULATION
DEAR TIRED: Discuss to Kristina’s mother and father once more. This time, inform them precisely what you have got instructed me — that her fundamental subject of dialog is what she desires you to offer her on the subsequent gift-giving event, as a result of it appears obsessive. Inform them you have got gotten the impression that their daughter appears to treat you as much less of a loving grandparent than a toy merchandising machine, and it’s unsubtle and obnoxious.
Then, in the event that they don’t move alongside the message — which might permit Kristina to save lots of face — YOU ought to do it. Should you go together with this present situation, her unhealthy habits will solely proceed.
DEAR READERS: Comfortable Father’s Day to fathers in every single place — start fathers, stepfathers, adoptive and foster fathers, grandfathers, and all of you caring males who mentor kids and fill the function of absent dads.
P.S. Additionally, a giant shout-out to dual-role mothers. I applaud you all — right this moment and daily. — LOVE, ABBY
Pricey Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, often known as Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Pricey Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Field 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.