Boy, college close to home tempt girl
DEAR ABBY: My daughter is graduating from high school and will be starting college. It was always her plan to go to a school away from our small town, and I supported that decision. However, six months ago she started dating her first real boyfriend.
His parents have offered to pay all expenses if the two of them live in an apartment and go to school at a college nearby.
Financially, this would be very helpful for my daughter, but I’m worried that moving in with a boy at such a young age would be a mistake, and she wouldn’t get the full college experience.
Her boyfriend is wonderful, and she is very happy in the relationship. She has a scholarship for free room and board at a college three hours away. I can tell she’s very conflicted. — Student’s Mom in Missouri
DEAR STUDENT’S MOM: Your concerns are valid. The boyfriend’s parents made a generous offer, but although your daughter may be crazy about their son, she should not accept it.
She and this young man are starting new chapters in their lives. They will be meeting people and forming all kinds of new relationships. Forgive me for seeming negative, but what if the romance sours?
Your daughter has earned her scholarship. Three hours’ distance isn’t insurmountable. They can still see each other if they wish.
DEAR ABBY: We seem to be living in a time of instant gratification. People think they must answer their cellphone no matter what.
When I call someone and they answer, I start talking only to be interrupted with something like, “I’m involved in something right now. Call you back!”
My question is, why are these people answering in the first place? Unless you think I’m calling to give you money, the conversation can probably wait 10 minutes. — Holding the Phone in California
DEAR HOLDING THE PHONE: I agree. You’ll get no argument from me.
DEAR ABBY: My parents smoke weed and do other drugs. They scream and yell at us daily. There are four of us. I don’t know if we should turn them in so we can live in a better environment or just accept it. — Anonymous Girl in Indiana
DEAR ANONYMOUS GIRL: It’s unhealthy for you and your siblings to be living with drug-addicted adults who are unable to control their emotions.
If there are relatives who can take you in, talk to them about it. If that’s not possible, tell a teacher or school counselor what’s happening or call child protective services yourself.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www. Dearabby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.