DEAR ABBY: Final 12 months, I gave my dad a cool flashlight for his birthday. It was rechargeable and had a characteristic that made it work as a lantern.
He appeared enthusiastic about it and later advised me that he’d been utilizing it.
Abby, this week, my dad gave the flashlight again to me as a present. Not solely that, he went on and on about how considerate he was in “finding” this uncommon gadget for me!
He saved asking if I appreciated it. I stated, sure, I believed it was cool, which is the explanation I gave it to him final 12 months. He didn’t appear to grasp what I used to be saying and repeatedly requested me to inform him how a lot I appreciated the present.
I made a decision to not make a giant deal about it, however I feel each our emotions had been harm.
Is this type of forgetfulness an indication of one thing greater I ought to be anxious about? He does the everyday previous man factor of repeating tales from the great ole days, however this kind of outright forgetting is new.
— REGIFTED IN WASHINGTON
DEAR REGIFTED: Sure, along with repeating tales concerning the “good ole days,” one thing like this IS trigger for concern.
In case your mom remains to be within the image, point out to her how out of character this was of your father. Ask if she has seen any adjustments. If she has, recommend that when he sees his physician for his subsequent bodily, he’s evaluated neurologically to make sure nothing is mistaken.
If he lives alone, focus on this along with your siblings, when you have any, and recommend that “someone” accompany Dad to his subsequent medical appointment.
DEAR ABBY: I’m a single mother or father of two women.
My oldest, “Becca,” is 17. She has been relationship this man and, as quickly as she graduates, plans to maneuver in with him and two of his mates (one other couple).
What worries me is that their relationship is fairly poisonous. They’re all the time combating. I’ve begged her to not transfer in with him, however she received’t budge.
Becca has some abandonment points. Her mother left us when Becca was a child, and my second spouse was emotionally abusive to everybody earlier than we divorced. I feel this is the reason Becca refuses to see how dangerous her personal relationship is.
How can I present Becca she is making an enormous mistake? I don’t need her ending up caught in a horrible relationship. I’m additionally anxious about her getting pregnant immediately as a result of neither of them can management themselves. Please assist.
— SINGLE DAD IN ARIZONA
DEAR DAD: After a 12 months of combating along with her boyfriend, Becca might change her thoughts about shifting in with him as soon as she graduates. (One can solely hope.)
Nonetheless, if she doesn’t, attempt to arrive at a compromise along with her. Inform her you’re keen on her, and your door will all the time be open if she wants to come back residence.
Ask Becca if she could be keen to begin utilizing long-term (reversible) contraception, corresponding to an IUD or contraceptive implant, to make sure she’s protected against an unplanned being pregnant, which may disrupt her life. Your loved ones physician can clarify her choices to her if she’s keen. (I’m crossing my fingers that she sees the knowledge.)
Pricey Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also called Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Pricey Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Field 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
