Lonely mom stealing daughter’s spotlight

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/11/2018 (2889 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: My petite mother thinks she’s a laugh and a half.

The trouble is, she’s a lonely single mom, and tries to take over when my boyfriend and other male friends come over. She’s not flirting, but she likes to play the big comedian. Or, if she’s in a different mood, she digs into their personal lives, like a friendly little social worker. Yeccch!

The guys leave very impressed with my colourful, warm-hearted mother — and I seem like a pale goose by comparison. Help!

— Ti Gosse, St. Boniface

Dear Ti Gosse (translation Little Goose): If you can’t stand up to your peppy little mother and explain how you feel when she takes a star position with your friends, you’re just going to have to stop bringing them around as much.

Bad feelings are building up towards your mother, and that’s not good as you get closer to leaving the nest.

Within a year or two, you might want to make plans for going to university or college and living in an apartment with a roommate. Then, you’ll have to encourage your lonely mom to get out, and join some clubs or take courses of her own to meet friends and/or a boyfriend, instead of trying to share friends with you.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I love living in the Exchange. I’m sorry people are afraid of attending events here and downtown. People need to know both the Downtown Biz Patrol and the Exchange Biz Patrol will provide safe walks to your vehicle or the bus stop after events.

— Just Because, The Exchange

Dear Just Because: It’s getting darker earlier, so detailed information is more important than ever.

The Downtown Biz offers a free SafeWalk program seven days a week, between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. Downtown Watch ambassadors are identifiable by their red and black uniforms.

They can be reached at 204-958-SAFE (7233).

The Exchange Patrol, whose members wear black and blue uniforms, provide the same service Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday to Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight. They can be reached at 204-791-3161.

It’s a good idea to put these numbers in your wallet or memorize them.

Once you feel safe, you can go out anywhere at night, and it’s good for your mood. There is so much to do in the upcoming months. Going out to busy bistros or sports and arts events helps dispel the grey feelings or depression some people feel as the dark nights move in.

Enjoying this city at night, without fear, can make this a happy time of year.

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
Advice Columnist

   Read full biography