Grandson snubs visiting grandpa over girl

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DEAR ABBY: My wife and I were visiting our children and grandson, “Rhett,” age 24. Rhett is a college student who lives at home. He had his girlfriend, “Peggy,” who lives in another town, at the house for the weekend.

Rhett and Peggy retired to his room early in the evening. When we saw them at breakfast, they were, basically, uncommunicative. Shortly after, they went to the backyard and immediately climbed into the hammock, where they lay like that for the next two hours until it was time for us to leave. Our son and his wife did not awaken them to say goodbye.

Is this normal behavior in today’s world? We realize that we may be “old fogeys” by current standards, but isn’t there any line drawn anymore? My son and his wife acted like this was all perfectly fine. — Invisible Grandpa In Arkansas

DEAR GRANDPA: Whether Rhett’s behavior — and his parents’ tolerance of it — is “fine” in today’s world depends upon the standards in that household. However, there are “family manners” and “company manners.” From your description of the goings-on during your visit, and that no effort was made to spend any quality time with you, I’d say your grandson’s behavior was just plain rude.

That said, Rhett was not entirely to blame. Some fault lies with your son and his wife for tolerating your being ignored and not insisting that you be treated with more courtesy and respect.

DEAR ABBY: My brother, “Jeff,” has not communicated with any of the family — parents or siblings — for two years. Nobody knows why.

We grew up a close-knit family with lots of love and affection.

About six years ago, Jeff moved with his wife and children to a different state.

During the first few years, he stayed in touch via phone calls and e-mails, but suddenly all communication ceased. We know where he lives and have tried contacting him through letters, phone calls and e- mails, but he will not respond.

Our parents are devastated and none of us knows what to do.

We have so many questions. What do we do, Abby? Please help. — Family In Pain

DEAR IN PAIN: Because you have tried everything else, only one thing is left. If at all possible, your parents and the sibling who was closest to Jeff should schedule a visit to the city in which he now resides and pay him a call.

Dear Abby, written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.