Costs of nourishing ‘Hulk’ should be shared

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This article was published 26/11/2020 (2139 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I read the article from “Fed Up” about the daughter’s boyfriend moving in during COVID and adding a substantial amount to the family’s grocery bill. I wonder if they could get in touch with the “Hulk’s” parents, explain their son is putting a financial strain on their budget, and ask if they could contribute $200 a month for his upkeep. That’s still cheap, as he is getting (I presume) free laundry and other perks as well.

— Just Saying, Charleswood

 Dear Just Saying: The Hulk’s folks may be enjoying their increased privacy and having food actually last a few days in the fridge. If that’s the case, and Fed Up has not insulted their dear son, those parents will no doubt have a cheque whipped over to their son’s new innkeepers, and it won’t be for just one month!

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: You could have told Fed Up to advise his daughter that while her boyfriend is living under his roof, he’s expected to help around the house. Then assign him specific chores and tasks.

Given he is young, healthy and athletic, yard maintenance, snow shovelling and the like should be at the top of the list.

There’s no reason why he could not contribute by cooking the occasional meal, taking his turn with housecleaning and doing most of the heavy-lifting for whatever small projects they decide to undertake this winter.

Requiring him to do his own laundry and clean up after himself are no-brainers and should be non-negotiable conditions for his staying in the house.

If the daughter is not helping out herself, it’s a great opportunity to introduce her to adult responsibilities at the same time.

— Concerned L.G., Winnipeg

Dear Concerned L.G.: This long list could be workable, if it is presented to the daughter in private, and made more pleasant by asking the young couple to do it together, as a project.

I think Fed Up should approach his daughter when the Hulk is right out of the house, so she gets a chance to react freely, without her beau hearing the set-to. Then the daughter can work it out with her dad and present the new situation to her boyfriend later, also in private.

Your list is long — but fair. Still, the Hulk may be angry/insulted and get on the phone, asking to move back in with his parents.

That might be good for Fed Up, but what if his darling daughter goes with him? These are COVID days. How will the father feel if his daughter is not living under his roof and rules about visitors are loosey-goosey over there?

These are not normal times, and some parents are understandably feeling protective and nervous.

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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