I love mine (Chase Visa)! I get free stuff all the time!

Having dealt with an abusive ex for years, if she has the ability to run and start over and never let him know where she is...that is what she should do.

Godparents don't actually have any legal rights at all. Even if mom put in her will that she wanted her sister to raise the child, dad's rights would still trump that and he would get custody. She should preemptively file for custody to get that established now. Perhaps he'd be willing to sign over his rights and/or doesn't want to see the child. But she needs to get that established through the courts to protect herself and her child.

In that case, I hope she is allowed to just be herself. That's all anyone really wants.

I'd probably also assume that it wasn't her idea to be part of this organization honestly, and in that case I'd support her trying to get kicked out.

I would think "Good for her for being herself regardless of any antiquated rules." No one can make a rule about who you are inside. There are many Christian LGBTQ people, and God loves every single one of them. He doesn't make mistakes.

People get overwhelmed. Sometimes they cry. I don't know that "age appropriate" has much to do with it.

My DS is only 15 and hasn't started working yet. He is fair skinned, slight in build, dx'd with anxiety/depression (now very well controlled) and adhd. He is also sensitive to sun. There are certain jobs that he's not suited for, and that's ok. It sounds like your son has given this job a solid effort, and it's taking a toll on him. Let him give his notice and spend the rest of the summer getting ready for the next big transition. THIS job doesn't predict anything about his future, except that perhaps it's not the kind of job he wants when he finishes college or even next summer. And that's ok.

This is me too. Ugh.

She might not. Who cares? Life is too short to perseverate on such small things for so many hours. I remember buying myself nice several packs of Adidas socks at a shoe store. I was about 18 or 19, living at home - commuting to college. My mom made an off-hand comment about how I "never deny myself anything." Later, I developed anorexia and sometimes those worse would haunt me. For several years I denied myself EVERYTHING, including food. She didn't cause the issue, no...but her belief that I didn't deserve anything luxurious did come back to haunt me during that time.

Have her pay you back. Get the money out of her savings. She can rebuild it because she won't owe you anymore and you can offer her help to learn how to budget, and she can accept or not. Please, please don't let this cause further damage to your relationship. Have her pay you back today, or this week, and leave it behind you. If you don't - you will continue to feel resentful and judgmental and it will ruin your relationship. Getting the money from her now ends all of that. You can move forward. Do that.

I honestly feel that your views on finances are extreme. A coffee drink out once a month is hardly a luxury. Truly. I think you should have your DD pay you back now so that you don't have to think about her finances anymore. I don't think it's at all realistic, or even kind, to be judging her for not having your same views. I don't know a single young adult who would think a coffee out *once a month* would be a splurge.

Since it is bothering you a lot, I'd have her pay you back half of the total amount she owes you out of her savings RIGHT NOW, and set up a monthly payment plan for the remainder that is owed. Hopefully then you will feel better about things, and can let go the smaller financial choices she will make that you don't agree with.

And that was why I said "at some point" because most adult children don't go through life owing their parents money all the time. Once they don't, it's no longer your business.

I didn't say you have to enjoy them, but at some point (and Quill isn't there yet for obvious reasons) it's not any of your business anyway.

Yes, but I think in order to have a successful relationship with our adult children, it's also necessary to leave space to realize that they will have their own values and desires and dreams. And they will make their own mistakes. If you don't make space for her to be her own person, the relationship will not be able to grow and change as she does.

I think I'd try to take some time to reflect on this statement if I felt this way. Generally speaking, I am GLAD my kids have opportunities and can take some things for granted that I never could. If you're feeling resentful of their privilege, you might want to reconsider how much you help your adult children - your resentment will likely bleed into your relationship with them.

We have one chihuahua who is completely housebroken, and one who is 12 years old and never will be 100%. He just doesn't seem to get it.

Has anyone used this? Reviews? Also, does anyone know how fast Bookshark shipping is within U.S.? Thanks!

I used to be a serious Emily Post etiquette person, but honestly sometimes I feel like the judgement that happens around every birthday, baby shower, and wedding is kind of sad. It's about celebrating a person who, theoretically, you care about if you are invited to their celebration! Why wouldn't you want to give them something they would enjoy or find fun or useful?

As a GS leader, I don't request much of parents at all. Occasionally we need a parent to be an additional driver for a field trip, but otherwise I expect/request that they pay dues and make sure I know if their child won't be at a meeting (because otherwise I worry about them!)

I think it's sweet that they want a "trip back home" fund! We usually give money anyway for weddings.

Ugh. That's really weird. I'd consider it a deal breaker. I'm a private person, but I also just think it's bizarre to WANT to go in when someone else is using the bathroom. What the heck?!

I feel like a $15 voucher is a pretty great deal really - the bears weren't going to be free regardless. That being said, no way I'd ever wait in line for hours for any deal, but certainly not for a cheap bear. That's absurd.

You said you weren't sure how your son felt about her weight, as though it was an inherent flaw that he should be judging. We all know how you feel about overweight people - I hope your son isn't as biased and judgmental.