Artful lodger
Dear Dr. Lovemonkey,
My neighbors for the past five years, who I know only slightly, are moving to another town because the husband’s job has been transferred. Yesterday, they stopped by and asked if their son, a 17-year-old high school senior, could live with us for the rest of the year, so that he can finish the school year here. They have been good neighbors, and I can’t think of anything negative about the family. The kid’s mother also offered to pay room and board for the son. Since I really don’t know these people that well, I’m surprised that they would ask us to care for their son. What should I do?
_A.B. in East Greenwich
Dear A.B.,
It’s totally up to you to decide if having a 17-year-old boarder is going to be disruptive to your family or if you just don’t feel good about the situation. Apparently, your soon-to-be former neighbors have a great deal of respect for you and your family or else they wouldn’t have asked.
Skin show
Dear Dr. Lovemonkey,
I run a child-care business from my home and am most disturbed by my next-door neighbor, who sunbathes in her backyard in a skimpy bikini. There is not much room in between our houses, and the parents of children for whom I care have even mentioned this woman. I am embarrassed to say anything, because it is her property. Who am I to ask that she be more modest around these children and parents?
_Alice
Dear Alice,
Wearing a skimpy bikini on one’s own property is obviously well within your neighbor’s rights. Perhaps you could rent the film Bikini Beach Party for the kids to watch some time, so that they will know how bikinis are acceptable outdoor wear during warm weather. Or maybe they already understand this.
Dim prospect
Dear Dr. Lovemonkey,
I am pregnant with my ex-boyfriend’s baby. I really love my ex and would like to restart our relationship. He wants nothing to do with the baby, his parents are divorced, and his father was never there for him. I would really like him to be there for our baby and for me. We are friends, but it hurts me to see him with other women. I need advice.
_Unhappy in Exeter
Dear Unhappy,
Forget about the possible reasons for why your ex-boyfriend is unwilling to get back together with you. The fact is that he does not want to get back together with you. He has responsibilities and he should be made to face them, but getting back together with him is not a wise idea. Take care of yourself, and take care of the baby, but trying to finagle him into getting back together does not seem like a good idea for you or your child.
Iron law of parenting
Dear Dr. Lovemonkey,
My daughter wants to pierce her navel and needs my permission. She is 14 and I am not crazy about the idea. What should I do?
_Disturbed
Dear Disturbed,
She is 14. You are her parent. Tell her no, because she is 14 and since you are her parent. She’ll scream and shout, and cause a scene, but the bottom line is that she is 14 and you are her parent.
Send questions and romantic quandaries to rudycheeks@cox.net.
