Dear Queenie,
My son had a big argument with one of his sisters and since then he has cut himself off from the entire family, including me. That means I never get to see his children, my grandchildren anymore.
Queenie, how can I fix things?—Worried grandmother
Dear Grandmother,
I have to wonder why your son would cut himself off from everyone in the family because of a quarrel with one sister, unless the rest of you took the sister’s side against him (or at least did not take his side against that sister) – or if you all keep trying to get him to make up with that sister.
Try writing him a letter explaining that you refuse to take anyone’s side in such a quarrel, but neither will you pressure him to make up with his sister, and expressing your regret at not seeing your grandchildren – and hope for the best.
Dear Queenie,
The other night when I came home very late I noticed that a car parked in front of my house had its headlights on. The next morning the lights were still on.
Queenie, since I happen to know who the car belongs to, should I have gone over to their house and waked them up to warn them?—Neighbour
Dear Queenie,
My husband has the habit of eating fresh fruit and vegetables right out of the container or sack I bring them home in from the grocery store.
I was taught always to wash such things before eating, but he says it’s not really important and I’m just being silly.
Queenie, how can I make him understand how dangerous this can be?—Worried wife
Dear Worried wife,
There have been a number of reports in the news recently about diseases caused by unsanitary produce. Whenever you see or hear such a report bring it to his attention.
Also, take some of that produce you bring home and soak it for at least 5 minutes in water to which you have added some vinegar. This will make the items fairly safe for eating, and if the condition of the water after the soaking does not convince your husband I do not know what will.
And make sure your health insurance is up-to-date.
Dear Queenie,
I just found out my boyfriend gave me an STD. He claims he has never cheated on me. He says he must have got it before we were together and never knew he had it, but my doctor doesn’t seem to believe him.
Queenie, what do you think?—Doubtful
Dear Doubtful,
I think your doctor may have a point.
On the other hand, is this your only concern about your boyfriend? If so, give him the benefit of the doubt.
But if there are other things about him that also worry you, you might want to give some serious thought to the future of this relationship.
Dear Queenie,
I’m getting married and I want to have my best friend to be my maid of honour, but she dyes a red streak in her hair and it will clash with the colours I have chosen.
Queenie, is it okay if I ask her to take the colour out of her hair just for the wedding?—Bride-to-be
Dear Bride-to-be,
You may ask her to change her hair colour on your account, but do not be offended if she refuses to do so. And she may refuse to be your maid of honour because of the colour-clash.
If you wanted her to be your maid of honour you should have considered her hair colour when you chose your colour scheme. Do not be a bride-zilla!
