Dear Amy: My husband and I have wonderful friends: a husband and wife, and their 20-year-old daughter. They live on a gorgeous island, and several times each year, we vacation together in each other’s homes. These visits usually last 7 to 10 days, and during this time, we shop, talk, and eat meals together. We always have a lovely time. The problem is, I often feel the need each day to withdraw and recharge my batteries. After a full day of being social, I crave some privacy.
I hope it’s OK with you if I schedule my alone-time for late afternoons. I don’t want to interrupt the flow, but I’ll just quietly slip away, and I want to make sure you understand my reasons.” Dear Amy: My husband wanted to help our great nieces and nephews get a good start, and so each year we have given these young adults $15,000. I still do this even though after my husband’s death I have not seen them or received any acknowledgment.