DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are seniors who look forward to visits from our adult children. The problem is our oldest son visits every few months and leaves belongings behind. He has claimed much of a closet, several dresser drawers, the guest bathroom vanity and part of our shed.
We would like our guests to have space, and we are trying to downsize. This is making my husband upset and creating stress in our marriage. – SON HAS BAGGAGE IN FLORIDA
DEAR SON HAS BAGGAGE: Offer your son a couple of alternatives. The first would be to clear the counter in the guest bathroom and put his toiletries out of sight. He should leave no more than one drawer full of his underwear, socks, etc. in the bureau and three changes of clothes in the closet. Any other items he will need can be brought in a backpack that can be stowed (at no cost) under his seat during the flight. If he can’t do that, then he should follow your example – mail his things to you, and mail them back to his home when he leaves.
DEAR ABBY: I was diagnosed with celiac disease 13 years ago and have followed a strict diet since. In the past, I didn’t tell my co-workers because food wasn’t part of the job. However, I am now in a small department and we travel, so I have disclosed it.
My boss constantly harasses me for not eating any of the junk food he brings in (or why I don’t eat all of the food when we eat out). I decline politely, but he keeps coming at me insisting that “it’s OK to eat” and says I should just eat it because it won’t make me sick.