In a recent column, Dear Abby offered guidance to two individuals grappling with complex personal situations. One letter writer sought advice on how to address her boyfriend's young daughter's persistent use of baby talk, a habit she finds increasingly difficult to tolerate.
The woman, who has been dating "Brad" for nine months and has a son of her own, expressed her desire to build a future with Brad but shared her strong aversion to baby talk. She noted that her own son does not speak that way and that she has previously corrected such instances with him. While she has attempted to correct the boyfriend's daughter directly by telling her "big girls don't talk that way," her efforts have been unsuccessful.
She confided in Dear Abby, "I feel the need to bring this up with Brad, but I’m afraid my reason is not valid. I don’t want to tell him, ‘Have her stop because she’s annoying the heck out of me.’" The letter writer indicated that Brad has addressed issues with her son, and she believes they can speak openly about concerns regarding each other's children. She requested help in phrasing her dilemma without appearing overly critical.
Dear Abby's response suggested that the child's baby talk likely stems from how adults in her life have spoken to her. The advice columnist advised the letter writer against directly expressing her annoyance. Instead, Abby recommended that the writer explain to Brad that if his daughter continues to use baby talk around other children, she might face teasing and that it is time to teach her to speak properly. While the mother's actions are beyond her control, Abby suggested that Brad could be instrumental in addressing the issue once he understands the potential problems it could cause for his daughter.
Addressing Age-Gap Attraction
The column also featured a letter from an 82-year-old retired librarian who is a member of a Friends of the Library group. She admitted to being attracted to the current branch manager, a gay man around 30 years old, whom she encounters at group meetings and library visits. Despite her attraction, she stated she has "no romantic designs" and believes he would not reciprocate her interest, fearing her invitation to lunch might be perceived as "creepy."
Dear Abby suggested that while the librarian may believe she has no romantic intentions, she is "clearly open to the idea." Instead of a one-on-one lunch, Abby recommended inviting the branch manager to a larger social gathering to maintain a friendly overture. Abby advised that if the librarian continues to desire more than friendship as they get to know each other better, she should either confess her feelings or distance herself to end her "self-torture."