DEAR ABBY: I'm concerned about my 37-year-old brother, "Ricky," who still lives at home with our mother. Ricky is good-looking, never married and has never really had a girlfriend. Our father passed away four years ago, and since then our mother has become dependent on Ricky for everything.
Neither one has any friends outside the family. I try to get my brother to come out and meet people and have some fun, but he generally declines. If he does agree to come, Mother comes with him.
Please don't get me wrong. We all love and support her in every way, but this situation is unhealthy and weird. They almost act like a married couple. Please help. What should I do? -- DESPERATE SIS IN ILLINOIS
DEAR SIS: Start by having a frank talk with your brother and asking him if he likes living his life this way. There has to be a reason why a good-looking, 37-year-old man has never had a girlfriend. Maybe he doesn't want one.
After that, it's time to have a chat with your mother. I don't know how old she is, but one would think that she might like to "play" with people her own age. If she indicates any interest, then you and your siblings should encourage her to reach out. If she doesn't, then MYOB.