Kind Gesture Blows Up in an Unpredictable Fashion
Dear Abby | March 8th, 2026 | Letter 1 of 2
DEAR ABBY: Eighteen months ago, I was staying with my son and his family when they had a get-together with his wife, Corrine's, father. His wife, Corrine's stepmother, had just finished chemo for several different types of cancer. When Corrine's dad went to leave, I offered to put together a small plate for his wife, hoping it would make her feel better. When Corrine saw this from the outside, she came in and accused me of giving away family food that her son might want. They have lots of money, and I replied that I just thought it would be nice for the recovering woman, and if Corrine thought she needed more food for her son, I'd be happy to get it. My son and his wife have barely spoken to me since. I have offered to meet them for counseling and have sent my grandson little gifts every month, which have gone unacknowledged. I saw them for the first time last month at a family wedding. They barely said a word, and my son avoided me. The rest of the family could not believe how rude they were to me. I don't know what else to do. I have reached out. I've written notes. When I talk with my son on the phone, he's receptive. Then he talks to his wife, and all of a sudden, nothing is acceptable. Please help. -- ESTRANGED IN CALIFORNIA.
DEAR ESTRANGED: Could there be more behind this than you have mentioned -- perhaps hurt feelings that drove Corinne over the edge? You have done all you can to make up with your super-sensitive daughter-in-law (who appears to be uniquely possessive of her food). Take a step back. Sometimes, things get better with time, and that is what I am hoping will happen for you.
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