Financial Privacy and Boundaries
A woman in her 50s is struggling with her mother’s constant requests for information about her annual income and her husband’s earnings. Despite never having asked to borrow money from her parents, the mother’s inquiries have become more frequent since the father’s passing. The woman feels that her financial status is private and should not be a determining factor in her relationship with her mother.
A Private Matter
The woman has tried to silence her mother by giving her a fabricated number, but she believes that this is not a suitable solution. She is convinced that her financial information is none of her mother’s business and that she should respect her boundaries. The woman wonders if her mother would ask close friends about their earnings to feel close to them, highlighting the inconsistency in her behavior.
Advice from Dear Abby
Dear Abby responds by acknowledging that the woman’s mother is using emotional blackmail to extract private financial information. She advises the woman to discuss the issue with her husband and to tell her mother that this is a conversation that should be had with him. When the mother presses for information, the woman should let her husband handle the situation and assure her that they are safe, without divulging any private financial details.
The Value of Dressing Up
Another letter writer, from Wisconsin, asks for advice on whether they should dress up every day, even when they have no plans or nowhere to go. The writer believes that wearing pajamas is comfortable and doesn’t see the point of getting dressed just for the sake of it. They shower regularly, wash their clothes, and keep their house clean, and don’t think that dressing up is necessary.
A Different Perspective
Dear Abby responds by sharing her deceased mother’s wisdom that when people look good, they feel more confident and better about themselves. She also notes that there may be situations where the writer would want to look better, even if it’s just for themselves. However, since the writer feels comfortable wearing pajamas at home a few days a week, Dear Abby doesn’t argue with their choice.
