DEAR ABBY: I have a beautiful, brilliant daughter who has graduated with three degrees and high honors, but she seems to have no common sense.
She was engaged to her high school boyfriend, whom we all loved, then ditched him to date his friend. She gave up several excellent jobs, always landing on her feet, dated several men we all disapproved of, almost married a physical abuser (who, thankfully, dumped her just before the wedding), traveled all over the U.S.A. and Europe, and returned to another wonderful job.
She now lives with a slob, 15 years younger than herself, with no future and no money. He looks like an unmade bed with long dirty hair. I am mystified about how she can possibly introduce this person to her co-workers or others, ignoring the embarrassment to all of us. What is going on here? We had a huge blowup, and she now refuses to speak to me. -– HER LOVING MOTHER
DEAR LOVING MOTHER: Your daughter appears to be experienced, accomplished and successful at almost everything she has attempted. Apparently she is happy with this man, so he must be doing something right.
If you are truly a loving mother, be less critical of what you perceive to be his shortcomings and concentrate on the fact that he makes your daughter happy. Although you are well-intentioned, this is a choice that only she should make –- and she has made it.