Dear Abby

DIFFERENT POLITICAL VIEWS BRING ON FAMILY’S SCORN

DEAR ABBY: I have come to dread family gatherings. My exten-
ded family holds a different political perspective than I.
It seems like at every occasion they sit around and expound
on the good points of their candidate or elected official,
while belittling the opposition and ridiculing his or her
supporters. I have tried on several occasions to change the
subject or tell them I don’t wish to discuss politics, to no
avail.

Recently at a family party, I sat down with some relatives
I hadn’t seen in a long time in an effort to reconnect. They
soon began their political bashing. I excused myself to go
to the bathroom, only to discover that while I was gone they
had discussed my political leanings. When I attempted to go
to another room, a relative asked whom I was voting for. I
said my vote was a private matter — and the statement prom-
pted peals of laughter in the room.

I would really like to spend time with my family, but with
the elections coming up, I feel the need to avoid them.
Please assist me on how to handle this.
– NO POLITICS (OR RELIGION) PLEASE,
IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR NO P. OR R.: The surest way is to avoid them until all
the votes are counted, after which they’ll be so weary of
politics that you won’t be bothered again — until the next
election.

************************************************************
CONFIDENTIAL TO ALAN McDERMOTT IN KANSAS CITY, DEAR ABBY’S
BRILLIANT EDITOR SINCE 1980 WHO RETIRES TODAY: Thank you for
your many years of kindness, conscientiousness and profess-
ionalism. You’re always in our hearts. LOVE, ABBY
************************************************************

Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two
booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite
Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send a business-size, self-addressed
envelope, plus check or money order for $12 (U.S. funds)

to: Dear Abby — Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount
Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included in price.)

———————————————–

DEAR ABBY: I’m a 25-year-old woman who moved in with a fri-
end, “Natasha,” who is also 25, after her boyfriend of seven
years kicked her out three months ago.

One of the conditions of my moving in was that I’d get to
use her car for work and errands because I’d be moving out
of my mother’s house and had shared Mom’s car.

Well, I accidentally spilled a drink in Natasha’s car while
I was using it, and she revoked my privilege to drive it.
I’m looking for a car of my own, but I have already spent a
great deal of money to move in with Natasha and help her in
her time of need.

I understand that the car is Natasha’s property, and she can
do with it as she pleases. But I’m concerned that she went
back on her word so quickly into our living situation. She
has now started leaving me nasty, belittling little notes
and is scathing with her choice of words. She refuses to
talk to me and will communicate with me now only through
writing. I’d like to take the high road, but I’m having a
hard time finding it.

Until now, I enjoyed living with her, and I don’t want to
end our arrangement. How can I have backbone but still be a
good friend and roommate?
– STRANDED IN A SMALL TOWN IN ILLINOIS

DEAR STRANDED: Because of the way your roommate is acting,
it may not be possible. While I can understand Natasha being
upset about the drink you spilled in her car, it appears she
has gone a little over the top — unless there are other
things about you that also make her angry. (Was the vehicle
cleaned to her satisfaction after the mishap?)

It would be helpful if you could have a frank, face-to-face
discussion. You need to hear what’s on her mind, minus the
nastiness. If she is unwilling, then you should look for
other living arrangements as soon as possible.

P.S. Wouldn’t it be interesting if the reason for her change
in attitude is a desire to reunite with her boyfriend?

Tags: different political views, family's scorn, politics

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