August 2, 2025 Issue, Page 5 of 20

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ACTIVITIES The Elk City News SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 2025 • 5 Move Closer To Family Creates Distance Instead DEAR ABBY: I made a terri- anxiety. This is something you DEAR ABBY: Sometimes, DEAR APOLOGIZING: Peo- ble mistake moving 2,000 miles DEAR ABBY should discuss with your son. when I offer sympathy to some- ple, in general, have their per- across the country to be clos- Before I render any judgments, it one about a difficult situation sonal pet peeves. Although this er to my grandchildren. In the with the grandkids. would have been helpful to know they are experiencing by saying, response is yours, I doubt many past, I have always noticed my I feel sick to my stomach every if you discussed your “possible” “I’m sorry,” that person will re- people will stop doing it because son and daughter-in-law treated day. In the past, I couldn’t take off move to Tennessee with him spond by saying, “It’s not your the other grandparents better. work to travel for visits like the and his wife to see how they felt fault,” or “No need to apologize.” of one letter in my column. The They roll out the red carpet for other grandparents, so I missed about it. Or did you simply an- It happened again today. The next time it happens, TELL the my daughter-in-law’s parents. out on a lot. I thought by moving nounce you were coming? If they definition of “sorry” is “an ex- person you weren’t apologizing, They arrange outings with them, here I would stop feeling like an welcomed the idea but haven’t pression of sorrow or regret.” It’s simply expressing sympathy. If take photos and post the special outsider with my grandchildren. included you, shame on them. not necessarily an apology. you say it with a smile, the per- grandchild-grandparent mo- I am single and still working, and Family counseling might help When people respond this way, son is less likely to be offended. ments on Facebook. No one takes although this was a major disrup- smooth things out if they are I find it awkward, embarrassing photos of me doing the same tion to my life, it was a sacrifice willing. If they aren’t, and you and even belittling. Please ask Dear Abby is written by Abigail things with the grandchildren. I thought was worth making for aren’t able to forge the kind of your readers to take the expres- Van Buren, also known as Jeanne It is also hard to do things with the joy of being a more involved relationship you want with your sion as it is intended. It’s usual- them because my daughter-in- grandparent. But not much has grandchildren, consider mak- ly obvious whether the person Phillips, and was founded by her law is always rushing them to do changed. What do you think? -- ing another move -- somewhere speaking is apologizing or ex- mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact something else. It’s like she wants OUTSIDER IN TENNESSEE where you are wanted and not so pressing sympathy for your situa- Dear Abby at www.DearAbby. her parents to be the only ones DEAR OUTSIDER: That quea- isolated. tion. -- APOLOGIZING IN THE com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Ange- who have a special relationship sy feeling you describe may be WEST les, CA 90069. CROSSWORD Get Fuzzy CURRENT PUZZLE ANSWERS Drabble Dailies Pearls Before Swine Garfield