Dear guest: It is unclear why this couple has not considered hiring a cleaning service. Perhaps the husband is overly focused on saving money and unwilling to spend it. Regardless, please send them the certificate and wait to visit again until you are certain it has been utilized.
Two years prior, his siblings relocated to different states. This was a deeply upsetting experience for him. The strong connection I believed would never falter has now been broken. I fully comprehend his desire to visit them during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other significant occasions. However, in my opinion, he could also make time to see them during the six-month offseason from football. When I said this, he told me things have changed, and although he has been back both summers, he tells me it’s cooler and more pleasant to visit them in autumn. Of course, I am the one who drives him to the airport every time. I truly miss my best friend on those Sundays. I’m hurt and would like your advice on what I can do. — LONELY SPORTS FAN OUT WEST
I comprehend that she suffered an injury in a past accident, however, despite my chronic pain from arthritis, I am still able to maintain cleanliness in my apartment. Due to being enabled by his mother for 35 years, her husband lacks skills in household tasks beyond managing finances.
Abigail Van Buren, who also goes by Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby, a column originally created by her mother Pauline Phillips. To reach Dear Abby, visit DearAbby.com or send mail to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
As soon as you enter their house, there is a distinct odor. Additionally, the state of their bathroom is off-putting, with stained toilets and a grimy shower that makes me prefer showering at home. The overall uncleanliness, including the unpleasant smell and unsanitary surfaces in the dining area and kitchen, makes it difficult for me to eat there. Is it appropriate to offer them a gift card for cleaning services? Furthermore, how can I politely decline staying overnight as a meticulous houseguest?
Rephrased:
Hey Abby, my closest friend since high school and I have a tradition of watching NFL games on Sundays. We’ve been watching together for years, even during important life events such as the birth of my now grown children (who he is the godfather of) and family deaths. Despite not being married or having a romantic partner, he is very dedicated to his family. He has two sisters and two brothers.
It’s important to take action. Your next move should be to locate another individual who shares your passion for sports and can join you in watching (or attending) these events. This will help fill the emptiness on football Sundays.
Dear sports fan, I empathize with your feelings of disappointment, but it’s important to face the facts. Your friend has communicated that his family situation has changed and it’s something you need to accept. The changes have no relevance to you and are solely driven by his desire to maintain a relationship with his siblings.DEAR ABBY: My friends of 20-plus years bought their “dream home,” and they’re now 90 miles away. They have not cleaned the place even once since they moved in. Ten years ago, I lived with the wife and her parents for six months. I quickly realized that she and her family never cleaned their home.
