DEAR ABBY: I'm a 53-year-old man, twice divorced, raising a 16-year-old son as a single parent. I have been dating a woman with the same history, but her children are grown. Both of us are alcoholics. We are best friends, or at least drinking buddies. At least, we were.
Recently, she has experienced the deaths of a sibling and her ex-husband. Now she feels I don't give her enough attention. How can I convince her that I love her more than ever, but my free time needs to go to my son? In the past, our bar time would suffice, but lately she needs more. What should I do? -- SHE WANTS MORE IN OHIO
DEAR SHE WANTS: I understand your drinking buddy wants more, but your first responsibility must be to your teenaged son. She may not like what I have to say, but I hope you will take it to heart. You would be a better father -- and a better partner, if you're so inclined -- if you were sober. Alcoholics Anonymous can help you achieve sobriety if you reach out to them. You can find a meeting online at aa.org. Then, be a "best friend" to your lady by telling her she could find the support and companionship she's desperate to experience by attending meetings at AA herself. Perhaps you could attend together instead of going to the bar. It would be a win-win for all three of you.