DEAR ABBY: I am concerned about my nephew. His whole life he has lovingly hugged and kissed on his mother. It was cute when he was a toddler, but now he's a teenager, and he continues to drape himself on her and hug and kiss her on the cheek -- at home and in public. She does not discourage it. I don't know if my brother-in-law has noticed it, or if he just chooses not to see.
I have mentioned this to my sister before, but she told me I'm too critical. We were in line at the store and I heard people behind us react with audible sighs when they saw the behavior. I am uncomfortable around them. Others have told me that the affection seems excessive.
How can I help? I'm afraid there's a problem brewing that needs to be addressed now. -- ALARMED IN APPLE VALLEY
DEAR ALARMED: From my perspective your nephew appears to be a sweet, affectionate young man who is close to his mother. There is an old French saying that translates, "Evil be he who thinks evil of it." In other words, you may be mistaking the dirt on your glasses for a relationship that is "off-color," so please reserve judgment.