DEAR ABBY: I’m a walker, and I’d wish to know, is there a rule relating to passing an oncoming walker?
I have a tendency to remain on my proper as if I have been driving a automotive, however the occasional walker appears insistent upon staying on their left.
Additionally, a heads-up to your readers: Sidewalks are for pedestrians, so please don’t park your autos, garden mowers, garden gear, house upkeep/restore gear, and so on. on them. Whereas it’s straightforward for me to maneuver round them, it isn’t straightforward for babies on bikes or people utilizing wheelchairs or pushing strollers.
— STROLLING IN FLORIDA
DEAR STROLLING: The etiquette for pedestrians is identical as that for drivers in all 50 states: Preserve to the correct facet of the “road.”
Additionally, individuals who trip scooters and bicycles on the sidewalk are a hazard to pedestrians. In lots of communities, there could also be ordinances to discourage parking gear on sidewalks. If the association is semi-permanent, go to your metropolis corridor web site to find out to which division the violation(s) ought to be reported.
DEAR ABBY: I’m a 37-year-old lady who appears to be the go-to particular person in my household to determine issues out.
As a consequence of my stepmom not feeling comfy sufficient together with her English and my striving to win her approval, I made positive from an early age to deal with the issues she couldn’t. The issue is, whereas I was happy with myself for at all times having the ability to determine issues out, I not really feel that manner.
There are 5 siblings in whole. We’re all adults now, however my stepmom appears to return solely to me to resolve any points she has. If anybody else does provide her help, she’ll say one thing like, “That’s fine, but I’ll just ask your sister instead.”
I perceive this can be my fault due to my incessant must please her.
Recently, I’ve been struggling increasingly with feeling used, as if my value relies solely on what I can do for her. Is there a technique to change her expectations with out having to inform her outright how I really feel?
— TOO HELPFUL IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR TOO HELPFUL: You may discover it simpler to begin by being much less obtainable when your stepmother has a “honey-do.” She could also be shocked and never prefer it, so be ready while you inform her to ask considered one of your siblings.
The choice is to be fully upfront together with her about your emotions, together with the truth that you’re feeling she values you solely due to what she perceives you are able to do for her.
Being the one “adult” within the household is a horrible burden to be positioned on a toddler, which seems to be what has occurred to you.
I knew somebody like this. Such as you, he was the designated problem-solver within the household. Sadly, nobody was grateful for his efforts. As an alternative, they not solely took benefit of him, but additionally resented him for it.
Name a halt to this situation earlier than you begin to critically dislike your “helpless” stepmom.
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.
