Send dear old mum packing

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Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I want my mother to go back to Scotland before I kick her fat butt across the Atlantic Ocean. She came to me today and asked if she could extend her visit again, this time to the end of January. My wife can’t bear the interference with regards to how we raise our children, the money we spend, how “flat” our Canadian accents sound and my mother’s dislike of “barnyard animals” (cats and dogs) in the house. My wife has just threatened to leave me if she stays!

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Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/01/2016 (3891 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I want my mother to go back to Scotland before I kick her fat butt across the Atlantic Ocean. She came to me today and asked if she could extend her visit again, this time to the end of January. My wife can’t bear the interference with regards to how we raise our children, the money we spend, how “flat” our Canadian accents sound and my mother’s dislike of “barnyard animals” (cats and dogs) in the house. My wife has just threatened to leave me if she stays!

Mother doesn’t want to go back home to Scotland because she has annoyed the hell out of all the family there and they ignore her. What should I do? — Favourite Son, Winnipeg

 

Dear Favourite: Take her aside and say, “Mom, I am the king of this house. You have had two extensions, but now it’s time for you to go home. My wife and I have had enough of your interference. I love you, but I’ve definitely had enough right now and you are going home.” (I gather you bought her an open ticket.) She may cry or shout or act pitiful to try to extend her stay. If she does, tell her next time you see her, you’ll make a private visit to Scotland. Old age does not give her a free ticket to come to Canada and break up your marriage. Then book her flight back to Scotland, right there and then. Your marriage is more important than your annoying mother’s extended visits.

 

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

Miss Lonelyhearts

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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