DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: I am a grown man and don’t get why my parents are getting so bent out of shape about my New Year’s resolution to give a quarter of what I earn to charity. I told them when I was home for Thanksgiving, and it seems like they should be happy I’m doing something good. But every time I talk to either of them, they start going off on me. What’s their problem? --- WOULD LIKE MY PARENTS TO SUPPORT MY RESOLUTION
DEAR WOULD LIKE MY PARENTS TO SUPPORT MY RESOLUTION: Your generosity is admirable, but only if it doesn’t jeopardize your ability to pay your bills and not starve. It may be these are the kinds of things your parents are concerned about, and unless you’re able to reassure them that you aren’t heading for financial trouble because of your altruism, I can’t say I blame them.