Too much togetherness hurts happy relationship
DEAR ABBY: I have been in a relationship with a wonderful man, “Andy,” for two years. I couldn't ask for a better partner. We are both divorced with children, and they get along like brothers and sisters. Even though our marriages ended, mine wasn't an ordeal. My ex and I both knew it wasn't working anymore, and we still get along pretty well. But Andy and his exwife never got along and argued for 18 years, and herein lies the problem. He gives me no space — ever. I have discussed it with him numerous times, and his response is, “Well, I have never been this happy, and I love spending time with you.” I enjoy our time, too, but I feel controlled without him acting controlling. He wants to be with me every minute. I look forward to going to work to escape! How can I get him to listen?
— Joined At The Hip DEAR JOINED: Remind him that there are two of you in this relationship. Then inform him that with no time for yourself or friends, you feel claustrophobic, which isn't healthy for you or the relationship. If you don't draw a line and insist that he accept it, he will smother you.
DEAR ABBY: You always give great advice on how to respond to people. My husband had a stroke 2 1/2 years ago. We ventured out for the first time to a store. He was holding onto the cart and stopped to rest. A man behind us, who was obviously following too close, threw up his hands in disgust. Evidently we weren't moving fast enough for him, so he made a snide remark; I replied that my husband is recovering from a stroke. Unfortunately, a week ago he suffered another stroke. How can I respond to people who are rude to those who might be slow or disabled?
— Patience in California DEAR PATIENCE: All you can do is hang on to your temper and try to calmly educate people like the impatient individual you encountered that day.
DEAR ABBY: My fiancee and I will be moving in together soon, and we're looking forward to a pet-filled life. The concern we both share is that my mother and her's are allergic to animals and will probably never be able to visit because of it. We love each other's parents and would like to have them in our lives as much as possible. Are there rules of etiquette for pets and families with allergies?
— Pet Lover in Georgia DEAR PET LOVER: Putting your pets in another room or outside won't work because their hair and dander would be in your carpets and on your furniture. Your parents should talk to their doctors and ask if they can get vaccinated to lessen or alleviate their allergies. If that isn't an option, you and your fiancee may have to visit THEM, wearing freshly laundered clothes.