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Dear Aunty Pam,

 

I live with my sister because we’re both divorced with young kids, and we can help each other with childcare. We get along pretty good and are even thinking of going in on a house together.

Everything has been just fine until Amber started dating Nick. I can’t stand the guy. He’s loud, always seems to have a beer in his hand and even worse, he carries a gun. I’ve asked him about it and he says he has a concealed carry permit and he doesn’t go anywhere without it.

So last week it got pretty heated because I asked Amber to tell Nick to leave the gun at home because we have children. She said he’s touchy about it and didn’t say anything. When Nick came over a couple of nights later, I told him I was uncomfortable about it, and he immediately became pretty defensive and loud, saying the world is crazy and he’s not backing down on his Second Amendment rights.

Amber said he’s careful with it but I don’t care. So now she’s mad at me. It’s like everything went south as soon as she started going out with Nick. Am I being unreasonable?

 

Signed,

Maisie’s Mom

 

Dear Mom,

 

Gee, I don’t know why anyone would think you’re being unreasonable with a guy that shows obvious anger issues, potential alcoholism and carries a weapon.

This is a no brainer and it’s somewhat concerning that Amber feels she can’t bring up the issue because ‘he gets touchy about it.’ There’s enough red flags being thrown up to knit a quilt. And for sure children don’t need to be exposed to the potential danger Nick brings to the household.

Make it clear to Amber that Nick isn’t welcome anymore — gun or no gun. Hopefully she will see how unhealthy her relationship with him already is. If it comes down to having to move out, so be it, and I say that while fully acknowledging finances could be very tight—especially these days. No room for light hearted comedy on this one—Aunty Pam is sincerely concerned about you both.

Best of luck.

 

Aunty Pam