Dear Ann Landers: I have been engaged to “Morton” for 16 months, but he refuses to set a wedding date. He gives a variety of reasons why we are “not ready” to marry. One is that he wants me to learn how to cook. I am working on it.
I moved to this city in order to be with Morton, but I have no family here, and I’m lonely. I am considering moving back to my hometown so I can be with my relatives while Morton makes up his mind. (He cannot relocate because of his job.)
I am fed up with his reluctance and am doing everything I can think of to please him. Should I stick around or give up? — Waiting in Kansas City, Mo.
Dear Kansas City: He won’t marry you unless you can cook? What century is Morton living in? Since you are miserable and he won’t set a date, I hope you will move back home and tell Morton that when he is serious about marriage, he knows where to find you. P.S.: Please don’t hold your breath waiting.
Dear Ann Landers: Recently, I was traveling home on the highway and stopped at a diner. I noticed two college girls nearby who were talking with some of the other patrons. What shocked me is how much information they gave out.
These girls told complete strangers where they were going, right down to the hotel address. They said they were on vacation and wanted to party, and no one else knew their plans or where they would be. They informed the other customers that they left their cell phones at the dorms because they didn’t want their boyfriends calling them. They mentioned which state they were from, so anyone who wanted to tail their car would know what license plates to look for.
Ann, these girls seemed intelligent, yet were completely clueless about their safety on the road. Please inform all students who are traveling to plan the trip in advance, letting at least two other people know where they will be and when they are expected to arrive at their destination. They should also keep their cell phones with them at all times. Phones can easily be turned off if you don’t want calls.
If these girls had given the impression that someone would be calling in to check on them, I would not have been so concerned about their safety. Instead, I spent the rest of my trip worried that I’d be reading about them in the newspaper. — Florida Phil
Dear Phil: Too bad you didn’t tell those chatty young girls to be more careful before you left the diner. Who knows how many other stops they made on the way? I hope my readers will pay attention to what you have written and take the proper precautions before traveling.
More Top Picks Best Wine Glasses Sets For Entertaining
Dear Ann Landers: I’m not sure how to handle this situation and hope you can help. My older sister visited my new home for 10 days. She mentioned buying us a “special” housewarming gift but said we seemed to have everything we needed. After she left, I discovered a thank-you card, along with a gift certificate for $50 at a nearby shop. It said, “This is a token of our appreciation and should help pay for the food, etc.” I was appalled. She is my sister, and I was happy to have her in my home. I would never think of charging her for the visit.
My husband thinks she meant it as a housewarming gift. I’m not so sure. What should I do? — A Welcoming Sister in Florida
Dear Florida: Your sister was being a good houseguest. Most visitors, even relatives, offer to help pay for groceries and incidentals. If this bothers you, use the gift certificate to buy her a nice present, and send it with your love.
———-
What can you give the person who has everything? Ann Landers’ booklet “Gems” is ideal for a nightstand or coffee table. “Gems” is a collection of Ann Landers’ most requested poems and essays. Send a self-addressed, long, business-size envelope and a check or money order for $5.25 (this includes postage and handling) to: Gems, c/o Ann Landers, P.O. Box 11562, Chicago, IL 60611-0562. (In Canada, send $6.25.) To find out more about Ann Landers and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.