Jeanne PhillipsDEAR ABBY: I’m 51 and my boyfriend is 43. We’ve been dating for eight months, living together for five. We met at work a few months before we started dating. We get along great and never argue, but he won’t let me meet his family.
He has never been married and has no children. He sees his mom and brother sometimes for dinner and such, but because his mom doesn’t have any grandchildren and I can’t give her any, he said he’s not ready to tell her about me. Does this make sense? – OUTSIDER IN LOUISIANA
DEAR OUTSIDER: If, after eight months of dating and living together for five, you still haven’t met his family, he has no intention of introducing you – ever. Your inability to give his mother grandchildren has nothing to do with it. You are a human being, not a broodmare, and the excuse he’s giving you makes no sense. Picture this scenario: “Hey, Ma, this is ‘Becky’ and she’s fertile!” Puh-leeze!
DEAR ABBY: My sister, who is very religious, sent my gay daughter a Bible with her name engraved on it for Christmas, even though we told her – after she asked for suggestions – that a gift card would be more appropriate. We are not religious, by the way.
My wife and I feel strange about it, as if my sister is trying to tell us something like, “Your gay daughter needs religion.” How should we respond to this? – BAFFLED IN THE EAST