Pessimistic view of younger generations misplaced

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/12/2022 (1029 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: Too bad “Worried Great-Grandmother” doesn’t get out and to see what’s happening in this city and province. She thinks recent generations are self-centred and addicted to electronics.

There really is so much good going on. Toy Mountain continues to grow and people are filling Salvation Army kettles. Many groups and individuals are providing (and delivering) food, clothes, furniture, household goods and so much more that Ukrainian newcomers, who are escaping war, need.

Food banks are always in need. Great-Grandmother could call around and ask how she can help. She’ll meet wonderful people, who will warm her heart. We are a generation of love and sharing.

— Grateful Grandma, Manitoba

Dear Grateful: Thanks for pointing out the positives. Your generation grew up roughly 20 years later than Great-Grandmother’s, so you have a broad view of what has happened with generations since.

These days, younger people have a much greater sensitivity to people in need. Schools, parents, media and charities have encouraged that awareness from a young age, and have taught our youth to do much more than just talk about it. Some of them have joined to help out on the front lines.

Hopefully Great-Grandmother reads your response and takes a deeper look at the helping organizations around her, and maybe get to know some of the young people who do so much.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: My wife is lighthearted with a sweet personality and I love her that way — even if she can be somewhat absentminded. She’s an antidote to my very serious work. But my poor wife is just hating being back working at her office, and wants to quit to be my secretary at home. Noooo!

How can I tell her she’s the last person I’d hire to greet and deal with my customers? While it’s true my pregnant secretary, who works from home, is soon going to quit and have her baby, I need to hire someone who represents my company seriously and impressively, at first contact.

My funny wife laughs and makes jokes with everybody. Sometimes it even sounds like she’s flirting.

How do I reject her offer? I said I’d think about it, but that was a lie. I was just buying time. I’m afraid there may suddenly be a hurtful problem between us if I tell her point-blank I don’t want her help.

— Ungrateful Husband, North Kildonan

Dear Ungrateful: Tell your wife you’re so crazy about her that you won’t be able to get any serious work done if she’s always in your home office. Tell her that’s why you’re out to hire Ms. or Mr. Boring-and-Serious, who operates out of their own home.

Then encourage your wife to find a fun new job that suits her personality — so she can dump her present work. She deserves to be happy and social.

If she finds a good fit, she’ll thank you for not letting her work in your boring office! Then just accept that, and smile to yourself.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I’m writing regarding the woman who doesn’t want to leave her three cats alone to go on vacation with her partner. Ideally having friends or family move in is best, but not always feasible.

We’ve been using an online house-sitting service for eight years now. We pay an annual fee and have had lovely people stay in our home, to take care of our beloved pet.

We leave a detailed written description of pet care for them and they pick up our mail and do yard care, water plants, and other small tasks as well.

It’s been very successful for us and our pet has been very happy, as these people are vetted by the company and are animal lovers who don’t have pets of their own at the moment.

— K.L., Manitoba

Dear K.L.: You have obviously found a good house-sitting company. The only question might be whether all these house-sitters — who don’t keep pets in their own homes — are real animal lovers, and will do more than just feed the pets who don’t understand why their owners have gone.

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.