DEAR ABBY: I have two granddaughters and four grandsons. My granddaughters, ages 19 and 20, wear thong bikinis at family swim events in front of their dad, grandpa, uncles and cousins. I believe this is incredibly inappropriate.
I’m embarrassed and I don’t want to attend swim parties with the family anymore. I’ve told my son my feelings, and he said he leaves the dress code up to his wife. Should I just stay away from family swim parties? — APPALLED IN INDIANA DEAR APPALLED: Since your son has passed the buck to his wife, explain to her that the bathing attire the “girls” are wearing to the family swim events embarrasses you so much that you are considering no longer attending.
Remember, however, that your granddaughters are both adults, and the decision about what they wear is up to them, not their mother. (If this were Europe, there would be no problem.) I hesitate, however, to advise you to skip these family get-togethers entirely because they are opportunities to bond, and I would hate to see you fall further into the generation gap.
DEAR ABBY: My wife and I have been married eight years. Three months ago, I made a terrible mistake. I pushed her.
It was the first time I ever put my hands on her in anger. She called the police, and I was arrested. I still have a no-contact order.
I live in my car and cry every day. I just want a chance to apologize, but her family is making sure she stays away. She hasn’t filed for divorce.
Do you have any advice? — MAN WIT.
