DEAR ABBY: A month in the past, my 7-year-old son was struck by a car whereas using his bike in a crosswalk.
He’s tremendous now. His accidents had been minor, though it was scary. Police and paramedics responded rapidly, and I took my son to the hospital to have him totally checked.
Later that day, a police officer got here by our home with a brand new bike for our son, bought by the driving force of the car. He gave us a paper with the driving force’s insurance coverage info and stated one thing to the impact of, “Her address is on there too, if you want to thank her for the new bike. That was really nice of them.”
I used to be shocked that he would say that. I assume it was a pleasant gesture, however she hit my son with a automobile!
The driving force admitted to having been distracted. On the scene, she stated she thought she had hit a canine. I might go on, however suffice it to say the driving force was 100% at fault.
I put the brand new bike away within the storage. My son noticed it there and wished to experience it. I held out till our insurance coverage declare was accepted, and we went for a experience in the present day. The brand new bike is not so good as his outdated one, however he was enthusiastic about it as a result of it’s a totally different coloration.
I’m so grateful that he’s doing nicely and isn’t afraid of biking once more.
My query is, do I’ve to put in writing that thank-you word? If that’s the case, are you able to please give me the phrases?
— BICYCLE MOMMY IN WASHINGTON
DEAR MOMMY: I can assume of some alternative phrases, however no rule of etiquette calls for you thank the lady for the bicycle that was destroyed due to her inattentiveness.
DEAR ABBY: I’ve a bunch of pals I’ve identified for 40 years. As time has handed, we’ve got grown aside politically. This wasn’t an issue till not too long ago.
At any time when we get collectively now, they shout at me about my political decisions. At first, I attempted to defend my place, however I used to be shouted down.
Then I defined that I didn’t wish to discuss politics, that I respect their proper to have a special opinion and to please respect mine. That works solely briefly. The subsequent time we meet, it’s the identical.
It’s like they assume if all of them discuss without delay, they’ll persuade me. They will’t, and I’ve no want to persuade them.
It has reached the purpose that I’m not snug of their firm, and, evidently, they’re not in mine, since they’re now assembly with out me.
I could make new pals, however 40 years is a very long time, and I miss them.
Is there nothing extra I can do in need of pretending I agree with them, which I gained’t do?
— ISSUES APART IN NEW YORK
DEAR ISSUES APART: Simply as there’s nothing extra that your outdated pals can do to persuade you, the reverse can also be true. You will have now reached a stalemate.
Politics apart, these pals are shouting at you and disrespecting your needs. In your personal sake, it might be time to step again and domesticate pals who’re extra tolerant than these people seem like.
Expensive Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also called 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.
