DEAR ABBY: I am a contractor. My job requires me to stay at a job site from three days to six months. I am happily married with one child who is grown, gone and has a child of his own.
My son and I are estranged, and have had no contact in 10 years. When making small talk on the job site, inevitably the question comes up, "Do you have children?" I don't want to get into that part of my life, but I also don't want to alienate people who are trying to be friendly.
If I say "no," I am lying. If I say "yes," it opens up a can of worms, like "Where does he live?" "Do you see him often?" etc. If I reveal that I am a grandparent, it can get especially uncomfortable. Do you have any advice on how to handle this situation gracefully? -- NO EASY ANSWERS IN THE MIDWEST
DEAR NO EASY ANSWERS: Yes, I do. Be honest and say, "I have a son and we are estranged." You don't have to give more details than that, and you may be surprised when the person you're talking to says, "Me, too!" The situation is not as uncommon as you may think -- as I discovered not long ago when I attended a luncheon and realized the common denominator among the guests was they were all estranged from their children or stepchildren.