Feeling snubbed as family’s summer party hub

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This article was published 21/06/2024 (788 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: Our big cabin has always been Party Central during summer season at the lake — for our big, extended family. But this year, the bombs have started falling on that situation.

Two couples in the family have been in secret negotiations to buy their own cabins — and the deals recently went through. I guess I should be happy for them, but I’m not that nice!

I feel sad — deflated really. Our place has always been the hub. It was exciting to be there early on Fridays and see who would arrive, and come bounding up to our screen door with platters of food and bottles of wine! Now, I’m afraid our big family parties will be splitting up, and it might get competitive. So much for our cabin being the centre! Please help.

— Sad and a Bit Jealous, North End

Dear Sad and Jealous: It’s hard to have been the star of the party and then to have to share that attention! But sometimes it’s sweet to be able to put up your feet and enjoy the party, without having to do all the preparation.

Here’s a compromise: Some people regularly zoom up to the lake on Fridays after work and others show up Saturday mornings. Suggest to the big family that Fridays be small get-togethers as people arrive, get unpacked and come over for refreshments. Then rotate the big Saturday night parties, when all the families are there together, between people who really want to host them — and you would certainly be one of them.

Parties might change locations between just two or three willing cabins — or every family might want a crack at it. Then you need a little chart. The gang can always figure out picnics, beach time and rainy-day activities once they’re up. Have fun!

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: Well, I just heard from a gossipy female friend of mine, “You’ll never guess who’s rented the next cabin to you at the lake! It’s your ex-fiancée.”

I doubt my ex knew she was getting me for a neighbour, but you never know with a weirdo like her.

When I heard this news, I called the guy who rents the cabins. Our times actually do overlap for one week and I can’t change that and still keep my money.

It won’t be a pleasant holiday for me hearing her voice next door and listening to her play her guitar at night. I wonder if she’s still wearing the diamond I gave her. The last I heard from her was, “No I will not be giving your diamond ring back! You gave it to me as a gift.” Please help me. What do you suggest?

— Sickened, St. James

Dear Sickened: During the week this ex-fiancée is next door, you might want to have some company come to visit you, so she isn’t tempted to come wandering over and bother you.

But who knows? She might be just as annoyed to have you staying next door as you are to have her.

If it’s a big group of rental cabins, ask the owner if you can be separated by a cabin or two, and explain why. He’ll probably be willing to help, as he doesn’t want bad vibes in “Shangri-La” either.

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.

Maureen Scurfield
Advice columnist

Maureen Scurfield writes the Miss Lonelyhearts advice column.

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