DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: I get along really well with my new girlfriend’s dad and her two brothers. They all seem really tight and it’s a lot of fun hanging out with them.
What’s kind of weird is that there is never any mention about a mom, no photos, no anything. I feel funny asking what the story is, but I do want to know. Would it be wrong to ask? --- WONDERING ABOUT THE MISSING MOM
DEAR WONDERING ABOUT THE MISSING MOM: My guess is there’s a good reason the family in general, and your girlfriend in particular, hasn’t shared anything about the absent mother. What I think would be best is to wait until someone’s ready to make their family story your business, maybe after you stick around for a while. There’s a good chance the situation is painful, so be patient and don’t press in the meantime.