Dear Abby: My husband and I have been happily married for 37 years. We have one child–a son. He has been married for seven years–no children. Our problem is our daughter-in-law. She has decided that she and our son should spend every holiday with her family. Last Christmas our son came to see us
(she wouldn`t come), and she refused to speak to him for a month. We live 30 minutes away. Her idea of a visit to us is to stop by five minutes on their way somewhere.
We suggested alternating holidays or visits, but she wouldn`t hear of it. The last time we had Thanksgiving with our son was seven years ago, then she criticized me for not making dinner at home–we took them out because my rheumatoid arthritis was too painful for me to cook.
We are so hurt, my husband wants to move to Sun City. We have friends and a lovely home here. I don`t want to move, but my husband says it would make it easier for our son. He wouldn`t feel so guilty about ignoring us if we didn`t live in the same city.
Please help us decide.
Daughter-in-Law Problem
Dear Problem: Your problem is not your daughter-in-law, it`s your son. He is treating you shabbily by going along with his wife`s wishes. Don`t move to minimize your son`s guilt. Stay where you are, and busy yourself with people who appreciate your company.
