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Some People Will Try Anything Once Dear Margo: My stupid sister is a struggling single mother of three daughters, ages 10 to 14. She has been twice married and divorced. She just lost her business, and her home is in foreclosure. Recently, she met a guy decorated with tattoos from …Read more. Running Around Need Not Be an Inherited Trait Dear Margo: This is not exactly a problem — yet. I am engaged to a great guy who only has eyes for me. My mother, though, is worried about my future, because for generations, the men in my fiance's (quite prominent) family have been well known …Read more. When Invitations Are Seen as Invoices Dear Margo: I recently accepted a position in a large office. I think it's very nice that people want to express their good wishes for events in co-workers' lives, but why do these people not understand the rules of good taste that accompany these …Read more. When Lopping it Off is the Best Thing To Do Dear Margo: I am an adult woman with three older brothers with whom I do not speak. My oldest brother has always treated me like an idiot child with nothing to say. He stopped even acknowledging my birthday nine years ago. My youngest brother only …Read more.
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When Dad/Gramps Just Ain't Interested

Dear Margo: By his choice, my father-in-law, "Herman," has had little to do with my wonderful family. He is a negative, toxic individual whom I don't trust given his manipulative and abusive behavior. When his wife finally moved out some years ago, Herman did as he had long ago threatened: He cut off contact with his son (but not his daughter). He seems to have a particular dislike for me, most likely because I don't play along with his unacceptable, hurtful conduct. Happily, our family has a very close relationship with my parents, who lovingly dote on their grandchildren.

My children are now in fourth and first grades, and they've met Herman only once or twice that they can remember. I personally see little to be gained by reaching out to Herman, but I'm concerned my husband and/or children may have later regrets if he kicks the bucket. My husband says he doesn't care; my son is now asking questions about his grandfather. Just how honest should I be with my son? And is it truly best to let nasty sleeping dogs lie? — Preferring the Status Quo

Dear Pre: Forget about the bucket. I am on record, somewhat controversially, as being in favor of lopping off anyone, relative or friend, who can be judged "abusive and toxic." What is the point of absorbing punishment just so things look "normal"? As for your son, without a lot of detail, simply tell him that the other Grandpa is kind of grouchy and not very friendly to anyone, which is OK, because everybody can't like everybody. — Margo, simply

Better Not To Creep Out Your Mother

Dear Margo: I am struggling with my mother's distaste for tattoos.

I have several in places that are easily covered by clothing, so they would never disrupt my chances of getting a job. Another reason they are easily covered is because my mother is still unaware of them. Her Jewish faith states that the body should not be desecrated; therefore, one cannot be buried in a Jewish cemetery if they have tattoos. I got them to help me overcome fears and was fully aware of the Jewish prohibition. They do not interfere with my faith. She also told me I would be shunned for a lifetime were I to get any.

I am positive that the repercussions of telling her would not fade over time. On the other hand, she instilled in me the belief that pride should be taken in everything I choose to do. I would love to share my pride in the tattoos with her, but I'm concerned about losing her forever. She only stands to discover them if she is present with me while I'm birthing a child, which is several years away. Should I bite the bullet and risk losing her, or keep my secret? — Happily Inked College Girl

Dear Hap: To share with you the opinion of that sage Kelly Osbourne, now 25: She regrets having the tatts and would love to get rid of them. But because you already have yours, we can skip over that one. Given what you say about your mother's feelings, I see no point in revealing your body decorations to her. You are just asking for trouble. I suggest you show your pride in the artwork to your girlfriends. Oh, and when the time comes, keep your mother out of the delivery room. — Margo, prudently

***

Dear Margo is written by Margo Howard, Ann Landers' daughter. All letters must be sent via e-mail to dearmargo@creators.com. Due to a high volume of e-mail, not all letters will be answered.

COPYRIGHT 2009 MARGO HOWARD

DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM



Comments

3 Comments | Post Comment

Would someone explain to me, what the purpose is in getting tattoos on parts of the body that are normally covered by clothing? Am I missing something here?

Comment: #1
Posted by: Matt
Fri Nov 20, 2009 11:14 PM

In my humble opinion, I think tattoos are gross on the female body, no matter where they are. It's not religious, just my way of thinking. BTW, 3 or my 4 daughters have one or more tattoos, and I didn't hesitate to tell them how ridiculous they look. When my wife said something awhile back about putting a small tattoo on her leg, I told her to go ahead, and I would put one on my arm, the name of my former wife!

Comment: #2
Posted by: Charles Knott
Sat Nov 21, 2009 7:09 AM

To Happy Inked College Girl: I think Margo got it only half right. No reason to let your mother in on this now; one of the beautiful things about privacy is that it is private. Enjoy that. However, a life time of hiding is a life time too long. When the birthing time arrives, just let the moment happen. If your mother is as hung-up over tattoos as you say, then, trust me, she is even more hung-up about being a grandmother! Babies trump tattoos every time! And surely your mother will make her opinion known, very vocally. Simply respond, "Yeah I know Mom. That is why I had them put on me instead of you. ... Look, the baby has your eyes (or nose, ears, hands, etc)." To Matt: Do you broadcast all your quirks? To many, a tattoo is a very personal acknowledgment of a very private part of their life. Obviously, many other enjoy showing their tattoos. There is no right or wrong, it is to each their choice. My two tattoos are in between, not hidden not shown off. They are very personal about important parts of my life; and when asked I explain their meaning. To Charles: I suppose that 3 of 4 daughters are, in part, showing their independence from your overbearing opinions and attitudes. What ever happened to their "pursuit of happiness"? Cherishing your daughters' individuality, creativeness, and living their own lives will go a lot further belittling them with your ridiculous chauvinism.

Comment: #3
Posted by: Mike in Asheville
Sat Nov 21, 2009 8:52 AM
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