V21 N43

The Answer Lady invites inquiries from
gentle readers on all manner of relationship
quandaries, matters of the
heart and ethics. If you’d like to send
a query, write to info@exitzero.us. Or,
simply sit back, enjoy a cup of coffee and contemplate
the wisdom herein.
Dear Answer Lady
My grandmother is in her 60s and in
pretty good shape, but she’s insists on wearing
a bikini. My parents are hosting a Christmas
weekend gathering at the Grand Hotel and
we are all encouraged to use the indoor pool
Saturday afternoon. It’s embarrassing and
I don’t want to be anywhere near her. My
parents are clueless. My cousins roll their eyes.
I’m 13 and I don’t wear a bikini. I don’t even
wear a two-piece. And I’m on the swim team.
I want to stay home or at least hide in my room,
but I know my parents will make me go. My
mother said I could invite my friend to join us.
It is one thing to endure this with just family,
but now strangers will be subjected to it. What
can I do? — Embarrassed Granddaughter
The Answer Lady
Wise answers to perplexing questions
Dear Embarrassed
Oh dear. I hate to tell you this, but you are
going to have to suck it up. As your parents
wisely realize, none of you have any control
over grandma and her outfit choices. Just warn
your friend ahead of time and concentrate on
having a good time. You might want to take
note of these facts and remember them so that
when you are in your 60s, you can decide to go
with a one-piece or two.
Dear Answer Lady
I am invited to a Christmas party the
weekend of the West Cape May Christmas
Parade. I’m not sure my best friend is invited,
who is also friends with the couple. She
asked me what I was doing for the parade,
and I skirted the question. I don’t like being
duplicitous, but I don’t want to hurt her
feelings. I also know that if she is not invited,
she will try to get me to score an invitation for
her. What would you do? — Nervous Nellie
Dear Nervous
It seems to me this is much ado about
nothing. Just tell her. You didn’t issue the
invitations. The party is not at your house.
It’s out of your control. Plus, you don’t know
that she hasn’t been invited and is trying to
sound you out. As to her trying to pressure
you to “score” her an invitation, that is out of
the question and will probably ensure you
never get another invitation. Be sure to stop
by Sunset Liquor and bring a hostess gift,
otherwise YOU might end up on the cutting
room floor next year.
November 30, 2023 EXIT ZERO Page 53