Dear Queenie,
My mother and I always got along very well, but since I got married she just won’t leave me alone. She wants me to do everything with her just like we used to – shopping, doctor visits, going to the movies, just hanging out, whatever.
It’s not like she can’t do these things with my father, they get along just fine.
Queenie, how do I get her to let me make life a life of my own with my husband and friends my own age?—Smothered daughter
Dear Daughter,
Remind her – as gently as you can! – that you are all grown up and married, and have your own life to live. Then try to make time for her as often as you can (and care to) manage, and – again gently! – decline her other requests for your company.
