DEAR ABBY: Every time my granddaughter and I talk, she always tells me to let her talk. I’m getting older, and one day I won’t be here for her to tell me to let her talk. Believe me, I know. I’d give anything to talk to my Big Mama once more. I finally blew up and told her that one day I won’t be here and to have a good day. I haven’t spoken to her since.
Most of the time, I have to call or go by to see my great-grandsons, if I see them at all. I’m tired of being the only one to make an effort. I love her with all my heart, but my heart has feelings, too. Please advise. — OVERLOOKED IN MISSISSIPPI
DEAR OVERLOOKED: I know you are hurting, and for that I am sorry. But when someone says, “Let ME talk,” it usually means that the other talker is hogging the conversation. I doubt your granddaughter said it to be mean. She may be busier than you are. Conversations are supposed to be shared, not turned into lectures. Because you have important life lessons you want to impart, consider writing them in a journal or recording them.
Since you seem to be making all the effort to see your great-grandsons, perhaps it’s time to concentrate less on your children’s children and put more effort into socializing with contemporaries. If you do, you may find it equally, if not more, rewarding.
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Abigail Van Buren
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DEAR OVERLOOKED: I know you are hurting, and for that I am sorry. But when someone says, “Let ME talk,” it usually means that the other talker is hogging the conversation. I doubt your granddaughter said it to be mean. She may be busier than you are.
Conversations are supposed to be shared, not turned into lectures. Because you have important life lessons you want to impart, consider writing them in a journal or recording them.
Since you seem to be making all the effort to see your great-grandsons, perhaps it’s time to concentrate less on your children’s children and put more effort into socializing with contemporaries. If you do, you may find it equally, if not more, rewarding.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at
www.DearAbby.com
or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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Dear Abby: I blew up at granddaughter who always says ‘let me talk’
Dear Abby: I blew up at granddaughter who always says ‘let me talk’
Dear Abby: I blew up at granddaughter who always says ‘let me talk’