Bow out as ‘drama gramma,’ embrace new odyssey

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/09/2023 (759 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I finally asked the family to sit down last Sunday after dinner at my place, so I could tell them how I feel about certain things.

Before I came into the living room for “the talk” I overheard my youngest daughter say in a hushed voice: “Introducing… our very own Drama Gramma, and wait for it… here come the tears!” I am not deaf yet, and my tears were dry.

My family only look at me as a babysitter, a bank and a place to stay when they need one. I finally told them so. Family loans are never paid back to me, and I’m calling them all in now.

The truth is I want to pack up and move away, leaving no forwarding address. I can’t recall the last time my family called to see if I needed help, or even to see how I’m getting along.

Being retired and in my late 60s, I feel my active years passing quickly. What should I do with the rest of my life? I’ve been invited to go on a cruise and I’ve felt very tempted, but I always thought I should stay near the family in case they needed me. Ha! They only need my money.

I used to be a swimmer and I still walk miles a day, so I’m in pretty good shape for my age. What do you suggest I do with the rest of my life?

— Unwanted Mom and Grandma, southwest Winnipeg

Dear Unwanted: Maybe it’s time the family “drama queen” gave everybody a real shock! Consider taking your show on a unique road — the oceanic highway.

Cruise ships are sailing almost everywhere again. Many older adults find they prefer the dinners, entertainment and friendships made on board to the boring life they left at home. So, why not read up on the options and prices. Also peruse a few books on the subject which are not simply disguised advertising, and point out the pitfalls to avoid.

Some folks go cruising and end up making it a way of life. You may love it and find it doesn’t make sense to keep your private home going in Winnipeg. You might just want a small apartment “at home” which you can lock and leave when you’re cruising.

If the relatives really want to see you, they can buy their own cruise tickets, but don’t hold your breath. If cruising doesn’t suit you after trying it, there’s still a whole world of snowbirding destinations on land in the southern U.S. and Mexico.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: My girlfriend went missing in action recently. She said she was going to Toronto to visit her sister, but she packed her car full of stuff. I thought it was way too much for a short trip. She said it was stuff her sister left behind, and she wanted it brought to her.

She barely kissed me goodbye — just a peck — and I had the strange feeling she was smiling into my mouth. Now I know she was laughing at me, because she was leaving — it was her revenge!

Why? Because I went on a trip to Calgary this summer and had a great time visiting my two best buddies who are working there now. My girlfriend wanted to come, but I said no, because it was a guys’ holiday.

She was so jealous, and for nothing much. OK, there were one or two slip-ups with girls when I’d been drinking a lot, but I came back still loving her.

Unfortunately, she found out about my “partying” with the girls in Calgary, through an unfortunate infection.

I was thinking of waiting a few weeks and then going to Toronto, to try to get her to come back.

I still love her, even if she’s thinking she’s getting even with me. She was crazy about me before and wanted to get married. I bet she still loves me underneath.

I’d marry her, now that I got my guys’ trip out of the way. What’s your opinion on this?

— Tired of Stupid Game, Transcona

Dear Tired of Game: She may have gotten over the infection physically, but not emotionally. You left her in Manitoba, went off and cheated while on your guys’ holiday, and then her “hello again” gift after your holiday was an STI. Wake up!

The proof she hasn’t forgiven that slip-up was her fully packed car, the lie before she headed for the highway and the fact she’s started a whole new life in Toronto.

You have been left behind, mister!

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

   Read full biography