Tag: Dear Ann

Responses To "The Loss of Femininity"

For the last two weeks I have shared your responses, suggestions and experiences about marrying into a family wherein there is a parent who has a chronic illness. This was prompted by a letter I received from a woman who wrote that her daughter is having difficulty getting dates because her father has Multiple Sclerosis. Below are more letters from readers who wanted to share their experience and offer help.

These letters are in response to a letter written by a woman whose daughter is having difficulty getting dates because her father has a chronic illness. She also pointed out that there is an assumption that life in their home is depressing because of the illness. These responses deal with both issues, but how they contradict the myth of depression is particularly interesting.

Last week I shared a letter from a concerned well spouse whose daughter is having problems getting dates because of her husband's illness (Multiple Sclerosis). She indicated that there is an assumption that her house is depressed because of the illness. I asked for comments and suggestions from those who have experience with this situation. Below are responses that every shadchan and parent without experience with chronic illness should read.

I have spent the last few articles discussing what, I have come to believe, are abusive comments made to overweight people in the guise of caring and acceptability.

Dear Ann, I have been following your articles on being overweight and wanted to tell you my beef (double entendre intended).

"You have such a pretty face. If only you could do something about your weight."

Dear Ann, I am a well spouse on a fixed and limited income. My neighbor's son, who is friendly with my son, invited himself over for latkes the first night of Chanukah.

I recently published a letter from a woman named Mae. Mae could not understand why her mother, Sidney, had difficulty being accountable to her daughter for her whereabouts.

On October fifth, my article called "Choking on a Short Leash" was in the Jewish Press.

Dear Ann, I got a lot out of your article on line, relating to how to deal with a toxic person...

Being a well spouse does not exempt you from life's experiences.