Dear Annie: My mother, who is elderly and cannot drive, employs a taxi driver named "George" on a regular basis. George is in his 30s and married with children. He has befriended my mom, calls her on her cell phone to chat when she's out of town visiting my sister, and has even taken her with him on a family vacation.
I just found out George was named executor for the estate of an elderly man who is another customer of his. George will inherit $1.5 million when this man passes away.
Does George sound like a con man who knows how to get elderly people to sign over their money to him, or just a friendly guy to whom people want to leave their life savings? I'm worried about my mother and not sure what to do. Am I worried over nothing? —Concerned Daughter
Dear Concerned: No. Taking Mom on vacation is plenty unusual, and although it's possible George is just a great guy, it pays to be careful. First check to see if George has a criminal record. Then, no matter the results, explain to Mom that it's time she spoke to a lawyer about updating her will and assigning someone to make health-care decisions for her should she become unable to do so herself. Offer to set up the appointment and accompany her. Too many children are reluctant to bring up end-of-life subjects, but these matters should not be left until it's too late to arrange them properly.
Dear Annie: My wife and I have been married for 40 years and have raised three children. We have a good marriage, but my wife can't stop talking about her old boyfriends. This has been going on since the day we said, "I do."
Every conversation with friends is about her old boyfriends. She thinks some of them looked like movie stars, others were great guys and some were rich. If my daughter talks about her boyfriend, my wife quickly turns the conversation to her old beaus.
I am a professional person and have provided well for my family. I've always helped with the household duties. My wife has never been great about taking on responsibility, and I have carried the financial load as well as having a major hand in raising the children. She has never told me that I am a great guy or a generous person. What have I done wrong? — Puzzled
Dear Puzzled: This has nothing to do with you. It's about your wife's insecurity and constant need to prove that she is desirable and worthy of a rich movie star. We're sure the "old boyfriends" have been greatly enhanced over time, and try to remember, she chose you over them. Let your wife know her obsessive conversation is noticeable, probably to everyone, and that you'd appreciate it if she could be more sensitive to your feelings.
Dear Annie: I am a 13-year-old girl, entering a new school in the fall. I've heard that some girls in my new school are going to beat me up because I'm friends with someone they hate. I am frightened because I don't know my way around.
They are tough girls. How can I make them not hate me and beat me up on my first day? — Scared in New Jersey
Dear Scared: It is the school's responsibility to protect its students. First, talk to your parents and ask them to speak to the school principal about your concerns. Then, do you know any kids in your new school? Use these last few days of summer to make friends who will stick by your side in the hallways and schoolyard. Also check out stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov for more suggestions.
Dear Annie: I am a divorced 45-year-old woman with a 12-year-old son. "Philip" gets straight A's and is involved in sports and music, but I don't want Philip to grow up to be a "mama's boy." I've noticed he's very sensitive (which I think he's learned by observing me). It's OK for a girl to be that way, but not so much a boy. I would really like him to become more thick-skinned.
A kid pushed him on the baseball field, and when I told him he had a right to defend himself, he stated that the other kids wouldn't let him. He then ran to the car in tears. I'm assuming it was frustration.
I contacted his father and informed him that Philip needs a good male influence in his life. My ex, however, is restricted from seeing our son due to a history of violence toward us. And Philip informed me that his father was recently arrested for DUI. Anyway, I told my ex that I'd like him to treat his son with respect — no verbal, mental, emotional or physical abuse. He said he would. Our current agreement is for Philip to spend one-on-one time with his father for a couple of hours each week during the day (before the drinking starts), so our son has adult male companionship.
I have no male friends I can trust to take on this responsibility, nor are there any Big Brother groups in my small town. Family members live six hours away. My church is four states away. I don't want my son to be so sensitive in such a tough world. What other options are out there? —Perplexed Single Mom
Dear Perplexed: Having a sensitive son is not a bad thing, and we wouldn't push Philip too hard to be tough. With a father who has modeled abusive behavior, that approach could backfire. Instead, encourage whatever talents he has. You might be able to find a male mentor for Philip through his school, your job, the local civic organizations or the library. Consider joining a church closer to home. Big Brothers may also be able to help, even if there is no major group in your area. Contact them at Big Brothers Big Sisters (bbbs.org), 230 N. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611. © Creators Syndicate Inc.