Ask Kari

Dear Kari, My mother is 78 years old and lives on her own but is struggling. I talk with her daily, but I can see that she would do better in a more supportive setting like a senior apartment or an assisted living facility. My sisters also live close by, but they both...

Dear Kari, Recently I went to my dad’s house for dinner, and I accidentally met a woman that I think he is dating, as she was leaving his house when I arrived, and I saw them kiss. This was a shock to me, as I did not even know my dad had was dating, or maybe that he...

Dear Kari, My sister is 38 years old and lives alone. She rarely socializes with others and mostly talks about her dog. She has zero dating life. I am worried about her and her future. She says that she wants to meet someone and have a family, but she never goes out...

Dear Kari, I am done with giving gifts to my husband’s family. I am fed up with sending presents to my nieces, nephews, and in-laws and having to beg them to say thank you to me. My husband and I have been fighting over this issue for the past few years, as he tells...

Dear Kari, I need help handling my selfish mother-in-law. She is the kind of woman who takes the air out of the room. I have tried to build a relationship with her with no success. All she seems to care about is herself and her son (my husband). I can’t even get her...

Dear Kari, My mother is 78 years old and lives on her own but is struggling. I talk with her daily, but I can see that she would do better in a more supportive setting like a senior apartment or an assisted living facility. My sisters also live close by, but they both...

Dear Kari, My son who is twenty recently told me he is gay and that his best friend is actually his boyfriend. I feel like he has been hiding the truth from me, as a few times in the past I asked him if he was gay and he denied it. I feel like I have always been...

Dear Kari, My ex-sister in law is getting married again. I like her very much and we are still friendly, as we talk a few times a year. I am not attending her upcoming wedding, as is it a destination wedding in Mexico but I am wondering if I should send her a gift. ...

Dear Kari, My mother in-law always asks to speak with my husband when she calls our home. She asks to make plans with our family, keeping me out of the conversation, which is frustrating since I keep the family calendar. My husband has asked her to just speak with me,...

Dear Kari, My sister is gay and has a partner that she lives with. I love her, she’s my sister, but I don’t condone her lifestyle and I do not want to include her partner in events with my family. There is nothing wrong with her partner; I just don’t want my children...

Dear Kari, My father was good to me when I was young; he always worked hard and provided a nice life for my siblings and me. But, when my parents divorced when I was 13 he refused to pay my mother's child support for us since she initiated the divorce. Now, he is...

Dear Kari, My 69 year-old mother is recently widowed and lives alone in her home. She has been retired for the past five years and appears to be lonely every time I see her, which is often. I am worried that she needs more social activity and family time. I am...

Dear Kari, I am married and the mother of two children, both of whom were adopted when they were babies. My husband and I tried for many years to become pregnant but we were not successful. Then, four years ago we were lucky enough to adopt two children who were...