Mother Wants Nothing To Do With Son's New Flame
Dear Abby | March 25th, 2026 | Letter 1 of 2
DEAR ABBY: Seven months ago, my son filed for divorce from his wife of 22 years. Three months ago, he introduced us to Carlene. Abby, the woman has five children with three different men and is currently married to her second husband. (She filed for divorce two months ago.) She has custody of only two of her children. Since Carlene entered the picture, my son has been drinking again and doing drugs. He has been fired from his job after 17 years. I have no desire to invite Carlene into my home or my heart. Please advise me about how I can let my son know that I believe she's his downfall, and I don't want any kind of relationship with her or her nasty, disrespectful brats. -- DECISIVE IN THE EAST.
DEAR DECISIVE: You can't control your adult son. Do not proclaim to him that Carlene is his downfall and you want nothing to do with her nasty, disrespectful brats. Instead, simply become less and less available. Your behavior will send a message, provided your son sobers up enough to recognize it. P.S. Although you didn't specifically mention that Carlene is a substance abuser, I am assuming that, whatever your formerly clean son is doing, he and his girlfriend are doing it together. Please don't blame those kids for their bad behavior, which was never corrected by their mother. None of this is their fault.
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