Ottawa Citizen

Bikinis making waves at family gatherings

- ABIGAIL VAN BUREN Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at Dearabby.com.

Dear Abby: I have two granddaugh­ters and four grandsons. My granddaugh­ters, 19 and

20, wear thong bikinis at family events in front of their dad, grandpa, uncles and cousins. I believe this is inappropri­ate.

I don't want to attend swim parties with the family anymore. I've told my son my feelings, and he said he leaves the dress code up to his wife. Should I just stay away from family swim parties? Appalled in Indiana

Dear Appalled: Since your son has passed the buck to his wife, explain to her that the bathing attire the “girls” are wearing to the family swim events embarrasse­s you so much that you are considerin­g no longer attending.

Remember, however, that your granddaugh­ters are both adults, and the decision about what they wear is up to them, not their mother. I hesitate, however, to advise you to skip these family get-togethers entirely because they are opportunit­ies to bond.

Dear Abby: My wife and I have been married eight years. Three months ago, I made a terrible mistake. I pushed her. She called the police, and I was arrested. I still have a no-contact order.

I live in my car and cry every day. I just want a chance to apologize.

She hasn't filed for divorce. Do you have any advice?

Man with a Broken Heart

Dear Man: Yes, I do. Because there is a no-contact order in place, consider asking your doctor or insurance company for a referral to a licensed mental health profession­al who can help you deal with your anger issue.

That your wife hasn't filed for a divorce is hopeful, but for the two of you to reunite may require the assurance to her and her family that what happened will not be repeated in the future.

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