Dear LFTP: the mother-in-law forging the father's name on cards
- What can a wife do about her mother-in-law constantly overstepping boundaries and forging her husband's name on cards and gifts to his adopted-out child?
A letter from Troy: her husband fathered a child in high school who was placed for adoption; the husband has chosen not to be involved, but his mother (the mother-in-law) is close with the adoptive family, visits often, and sends the child gifts and cards signed with the biological father's name. The hosts call the behavior dishonest and out of line — it sets up false expectations for the child ('someone cared for me that didn't'), the son should represent himself, and the grandmother needs to stop and make it right. They read the 'secular answer' ('accept it, don't take it personally') and unanimously reject it as terrible advice.
More on Boundaries
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Dear LFTP: the mother-in-law moved in
- My mother-in-law moved in seven months ago and it’s been difficult — how can we sort this out?
The last letter comes from a wife whose mother-in-law moved in seven months ago with no boundaries, rising bills, unpaid prescriptions, and open disrespect.
From No. 604 · Rearview Mirror
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Dear LFTP: Ralph calls three or four times a week
- How can I get my retired friend Ralph to call less frequently without being rude?
The letter: 'Ralph,' a longtime best friend, retired and is bored, so he calls three or four times a week 'even when there's nothing new to talk about,' rehashing the same things; subtle hints haven't worked; letting it go to voicemail just earns a callback request.
From No. 602 · Relationship Counseling
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Dear LFTP: the senior-living handshake letter, and the close
- How can a senior-living resident politely decline the dining-room manager's handshakes?
Mike reads the second Dear LFTP letter: a senior-living resident whose dining-room manager (Manny) shakes hands at residents' tables, and who dodges with wet or greasy hands — how to decline politely?
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Dear LFTP: the fiance who games until 5AM
- What should the letter-writer do about her fiance's all-night gaming habit?
Mike reads a Dear LFTP letter from a woman engaged five years to Dustin, who games from 10PM to 5AM, skips chores, and gives her no attention; talking has not helped since 'he grew up gaming.'
From No. 598 · Emphasis | Accountability, Worship and Praying with Strangers