DEAR ABBY: I have been dating "Jim," a single father of an 18-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter, "Jenna." The girl is very close to her parents to the point that she sleeps with them. On nights she's with Jim, she shares a bed with him. Jim and his ex have been divorced since Jenna was 2. She shared their bed while they were married.
I no longer bring up the subject. I guess you could say Jim and I have agreed to disagree. However, I don't think a 13-year-old girl should be sharing a bed with her father. To put it bluntly, it gives me the creeps.
Jenna also shares her father's master bedroom and closet with him as if she were his wife. Please understand, this girl has a lavish bathroom of her own connected to a princess-style bedroom that contains everything a girl could ever wish for. Space is not the problem. When she visits, she never sets foot in her own room or bathroom.
I haven't said anything to Jenna because I don't want to upset her, but I think it's inappropriate for Jim to continue allowing her to sleep with him. Should I let it go? I have voiced my opinion before, and it has caused several heated arguments. What are your thoughts on this? -- SLEEPING WITH ONE EYE OPEN IN OKLAHOMA
DEAR SLEEPING: Although it is common for some parents to share their bed with infants or toddlers, it is far less so for a father and his teenage daughter. Jenna is no longer a child, and frankly, to continue this practice is inappropriate and potentially stimulating for both of them.
Clip this column and share it with Jim. Perhaps it will help him to rethink his stance on this.