Take the hint, spoil grandkids with attention

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/01/2022 (1705 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I look after my precious grandchildren once a week while my daughter goes into work, instead of working from home. Every time their mom leaves, my grandchildren run to me looking for the little treats I bring them. It could be a book, a chocolate bar or a small toy.

Well, my heart broke when my five-year-old grandson said, “Mommy says she doesn’t like the junk you bring us, and she throws the candy in the garbage.” What should I do?

— Granny, Weston

Dear Granny: There’s a reason the kids told you. They know their mom’s upset and they’re warning you, so you won’t be told not to come. Plus, your daughter doesn’t want to rock the boat as she needs the babysitting while she goes into her workplace.

Your grandkids are excited to see you, with or without gifts. As the kids’ mother, your daughter has the right to limit candies and chocolate bars coming into her kids’ possession.

You could occasionally bring books or small toys, but you don’t need to buy the kids’ love. They enjoy the games you play with them, the stories you read, and the time spent just being with them.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: A new girlfriend I met on the internet put my cat outside the back door in -30 C weather. She came back to the bedroom, and quickly turned up the music. A while later I left the bedroom, and then heard some pitiful meowing at the kitchen door. I opened it to my poor little cat who was half-frozen.

I said, “How did you get out there?” My date came around the corner and said, with no apology: “I put her out! We couldn’t have her disturbing us in the bedroom, could we?”

I said, “At -30? Are you kidding me? And you did that behind my back?!”

She said: “You’re mad over a freakin’ cat? You got your priorities wrong!” Then she got dressed, dialled a cab, and left five minutes later.

I stayed in the bedroom with my freezing cat I had thawing out on a towel by the register.

I haven’t heard anything since from this woman — no apology whatsoever. My best buddy says I’m overreacting.

New girlfriends don’t come along very often in the pandemic. Should I call her?

— Love My Cat, Riverview

Dear Love My Cat: You wouldn’t call this woman again, except for the loneliness during COVID. You don’t trust or respect this woman. A second visit wouldn’t be any better, so just let it go.

Next time you’re looking for romance, specify only cat-lovers need respond, and include a photo of you and your furry friend. It’s better to be too specific when you’re shopping for romance, rather than too vague. It actually attracts more people — and the right kind for you.

Be careful about looking for more romance online right now. A person who responds to you may have COVID, and not even know it themselves. Plus, they may not feel protective toward someone they hardly know.

Instead, spend some time talking to people online and on the phone. Don’t jump in for face-to-face meetings as this fourth wave is coming on hard. Be extremely careful until it’s safer. It’s way better to be lonely than to be sick and lonely.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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