Dear Abby: I’m fearful about my retired, tech-addicted mother and father

DEAR ABBY: My younger daughter and I had the pleasure of spending three months with my mother and father whereas my husband was deployed. We had a stunning go to, however over the course of our keep, I seen my mother and father had been spending extra time on their telephones than beforehand. Both are retired and of their mid-60s. 

I’m glad they’re maintaining with expertise, however I’m additionally involved that their telephone use might have a unfavorable influence on their social well being, behavioral well being and psychological acuity as they age. Growing up, we by no means had the TV or computer systems in our predominant dwelling house, and display time was restricted. We ate dinner collectively each night time, and socialization and dialog was an expectation. 

During my keep, my mother and father introduced their telephones to the dinner desk and grabbed them midmeal to reply messages or search issues on the web. Throughout the times, I’d search for from what I used to be doing and see them glued to their screens. This new habits is so totally different from the way in which they raised me. How can I converse to them about my considerations and encourage them to think about lowering their telephone utilization? — NOTICED THE CHANGE IN WASHINGTON

DEAR NOTICED: Yes, many issues have modified for the reason that time while you had been raised. But in case you assume the day has arrived so that you can mother or father your mother and father, overlook about it. It not solely gained’t work, nevertheless it may additionally trigger resentment as a result of they’re adults and never impressionable youngsters being educated about social interplay. 

DEAR ABBY: My faculty roommate and I grew to become shut pals. I at all times thought he was somewhat bit boastful. When I caught him getting upset {that a} woman favored me and never him, I spotted he has at all times been about evaluating and competing. 

At age 30, after we ended up working for a similar firm, we had a falling-out. I’m certain he has his complaints about me, however I’m now not curious about being his good friend. We’re 36 now and nonetheless concerned in our fantasy soccer league, so we see one another sometimes. We’re usually civil to one another, particularly for the sake of the league. 

Well, he now needs to rekindle the friendship and retains asking me to hang around. I’ve made excuses up to now, and I want he would take a touch, however I’m afraid I’m going to must finally inform him (once more) that I’m not curious about hanging out. I don’t need to damage his emotions any greater than I’ve to. Please assist. — NOT FEELING IT IN KANSAS

DEAR NOT FEELING IT: You should not obligated to have something extra to do with this individual than you would like. If the one time the 2 of you work together is in the course of the fantasy soccer season, he shouldn’t be too arduous to keep away from. When he asks to hang around, proceed doing what you will have been, which is to say you might be busy. Eventually, he might take the trace. 

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, often known as Jeanne Phillips, and was based by her mom, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.