Fast-forward three years, and it’s not so sweet anymore. It’s downright awkward. She runs up to my husband multiple times while we’re at church, while ignoring me. Last Sunday, she turned to me as she did it and announced, “He’s mine!” I stood there thinking, “Uh, no — he’s MINE.”
I know this jealous reaction may seem silly and I’m trying hard not to feel this way, but it felt like I was fighting over my husband with an 8-year-old. He is aware of her crush and how I feel about it, but he doesn’t want to hurt her feelings. Her mother knows about the crush, and we shared a laugh early on.
What can I do? Would speaking to the girl’s mother help? What should I say? Or would it make things more awkward? — NOT AMUSED
DEAR NOT AMUSED: The cute little neighbor girl is no longer 5. Three years is a long time for a child to hang onto a crush. Because her behavior bothers you, tell her mother you find it excessive at this point and ask her to tell her daughter she’s getting too old to act that way. It’s the truth, and your husband should back you up.
DEAR ABBY: Have you any advice for how a person can handle mornings better? No matter what I do, I start off every work day irritated and grumpy.
I love the mornings, and even get up early so I can enjoy sitting with my coffee and relax before heading out the door. But as soon as I get out into traffic, I’m immediately in a bad mood. Then, sitting down at work and facing all the emails that come in from my global associates — usually about some emergency that is plopped in my lap — puts me in more of a foul mood.
I actually like my job, despite what it sounds like. I just hate starting off every day like this. Telecommuting is not an option for me. What can I do? — MS. GRUMP IN DENVER
DEAR MS. GRUMP: OK, so you’re fine until you leave the house. Many people who find morning rush hour to be nerve-wracking find it calming to listen to audio books or music during their commute. If that doesn’t help you, and it is feasible, consider using another form of transportation that’s less stressful.
And when you arrive at work, take a little time to decompress before turning on your computer, whether it is with meditation or deepbreathing exercises for the first 10 or 15 minutes. Both can do wonders for a person’s outlook.
Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com
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