Annie Lane

Dear Annie: My wife and I are both retired seniors. We sold our house and moved to the town where our son, daughter-in-law and grandson live. My wife loves to take the little guy swimming and do many other activities with him. Every Sunday, we have a family dinner at our home. They come with much joy, and we all have a great time together.

My question is about the fact that they never bring anything, such as a bottle of wine, and they have never invited us out to dinner or to have dinner at their home. Are my expectations wrong, or did we simply miss the boat with our son’s 42-year upbringing? I would never have visited my mother without the thought of taking her out for dinner or at least bringing her some flowers. — Saddened

Dear Saddened: I’m not sure you have much to be sad about. Congratulations on your grandson and the fact that your son and daughter-in-law want to have family dinner with you every Sunday night. That is lovely. Grandparents and family dinners are such a gift. And you said that they come with joy. Wow, that is amazing!

As far as their bringing something or taking you out to dinner goes, you should have an honest conversation with your son about it and suggest that you go over to his house next week. But if he hesitates, he must have his reasons, and you should accept that. Above all else, you don’t want to upset your happy Sunday family dinners.

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