Ask Alex : My Dad’s Young Girlfriend
Just For Fun, Lifestyle March 14, 2021
Hey Alex!
Recently my dad started dating a new woman. Him and my mom have been divorced for years and both of them have dated, so the dating thing isn’t a problem for me. The problem is that my dad’s new girlfriend is 35 and he is 64. I’m 37 years old and am having a real hard time with the new girlfriend being younger than me. I want to say something to my dad but don’t know if I should. What should I do?
Sincerely,
Grossed Out
Hey Grossed Out!
Before you say anything, if you do, you need to take a step back and analyze the situation. I understand the uncomfortable feeling you’re having but assessing the situation as a whole might give you a better perspective and help you to navigate these awkward circumstances.
First, really look to see if the new girlfriend is using your father and he is unaware. For example, is she after his money or is she using his status to get a step up in her own life? If you are sure without a doubt that this is the case you should feel more than comfortable approaching your dad with your concerns.
But before you do, you also need to see if the relationship is mutually beneficial. For example, the new girlfriend might be enjoying the status of dating your father and at the same time your father might be gaining points in his world from having a young woman by his side. If this is the case, then it is best to stay out of it. Your father is a grown man capable of making decisions to better his own life.
Lastly, there is always a good possibility that they just enjoy each other’s company, in which case, it is absolutely none of your business and best to just keep your mouth shut. There is a certain taboo to such an age difference but at the end of the day it is not your place to rain on someone’s parade because their relationship makes you uncomfortable.
Take a step back. Try to look at the situation without your emotions playing a part and I think the answer of whether or not to say something will come to you.
Sincerely,
Alex
You can check out more of Alex’s advice by clicking here : Ask Alex : My Kid is Bad at Everything He Tries
If you enjoy reading Alex’s advice, send in your questions or situations to [email protected]. Each week, Alex will answer a new question or provide some friendly advice on issues we deal with every day. Whether it’s serious, fun, interesting, or you’re just stuck, send in your questions to Ask Alex for a little bit of outside perspective on life.
Ask Alex : A Sibling’s Smell
Lifestyle August 23, 2020
Hey Alex!
I started dating a guy a couple of months ago and things are going really well, but there was always something that seemed off. I finally figured it out. He wears the same deodorant as my brother! Now, every time I am with him that’s all I notice! Every time I smell him, I think of my brother! Needless to say, it is killing the romance. I don’t want to weird him out by saying anything. Should I tell him he needs to switch deodorant?
Sincerely,
So Awkward
Hey So Awkward!
You should absolutely tell him, especially if you can’t get past it! Yes, admittedly it is a little weird of a subject to approach but if you are wanting to see where the relationship goes, it sounds like it will have to be approached.
Studies have shown time and time again that smell is our sense that is most closely linked to memories. It has even been shown that smells can conjure up suppressed memories such as a childhood trauma. So, with the sense of smell being so strongly linked to memory and for that matter, emotion, of course it would be hard to get past dating someone who smells like a sibling.
I’ve found the best way to approach awkward conversations is through humor. Let your guy know up front that you’re about to talk some awkward truth to him and let him know this with a smile on your face. I would bet that not only will he switch that deodorant, but that the two of you will also have a great inside joke to share for a long while.
Sincerely,
Alex
You can check out more of Alex’s advice by clicking here : Ask Alex : Covid-19 and Schools
If you enjoy reading Alex’s advice, send in your questions or situations to [email protected]. Each week, Alex will answer a new question or provide some friendly advice on issues we deal with every day. Whether it’s serious, fun, interesting, or you’re just stuck, send in your questions to Ask Alex for a little bit of outside perspective on life.