DEAR ABBY: My brother-in-law thinks he’s good along with his palms. He constructed a deck on the again of his home, and it’s apparent that he’s not knowledgeable.
My husband and I’ve by no means sat on his deck as a result of it doesn’t look protected. (Others have mentioned the identical factor.)
He bragged to me about how he bought away with not having to tug any permits and by no means had town examine it whereas he was constructing it. He additionally didn’t have it inspected when it was completed.
I’m afraid sometime somebody goes to be sitting on his deck and it’s going to break down, and folks will get damage.
I’m afraid if I name town to report it and town reveals up at his home or sends him a letter or calls him, he’ll discover out who reported him, even when I say I want to stay nameless. (Town information all cellphone calls, they usually even have caller ID.)
After I tried speaking to him about this, he informed me to remain out of it as a result of it’s none of my enterprise. So, do I simply maintain my mouth shut and hope nobody will get damage?
— CONCERNED RELATIVE IN THE MIDWEST
DEAR RELATIVE: Please don’t maintain your mouth shut!
Proper now, the climate could also be too chilly in your brother-in-law to do any entertaining on that deck. However subsequent time he’s internet hosting family and friends, there might be an accident that may change lives eternally. This must be reported earlier than somebody is severely injured or killed.
DEAR ABBY: I’m falling for a person at church. I’m a widow, and he’s a widower. We now have been seeing one another for about two months.
We discuss for hours on the cellphone and in particular person. He’s a author, poet and musician. He reads me poems and Bible verses and even sings to me. We each are laughing and glad.
Sadly, I’ve much more cash than he does. He is aware of I’ve a pleasant older automotive, however he hasn’t seen my apartment. I’m afraid he received’t like me if he finds out I’ve some huge cash.
I need to assist him replace his house because it’s very humble, and I don’t know how one can do it.
I need to be trustworthy with him and assist him, however I’m afraid it’ll change issues and that cash will put a wall between us. Any recommendation you may have shall be useful.
— PERPLEXED IN FLORIDA
DEAR PERPLEXED: Preserve your mouth shut and your pockets closed.
You’ve gotten been seeing this man for less than two months, and when you might imagine you’re falling for him, he might not have fallen for you but. Don’t redecorate anybody’s house earlier than you’re in a dedicated relationship, if then.
The time to debate what monetary property you each have can be when there may be discuss of marriage, and the place for that discuss may be your legal professional’s or CPA’s workplace. I can’t stress this too strongly.
TO MY IRISH READERS: Glad St. Patrick’s Day! “May the most you wish for be the least you get. May the best times you’ve ever had be the worst you will ever see.” Love, ABBY
Expensive Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, often known 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.
