Dear Eric: About 14 years ago our son was seriously dating a woman whom both my wife and I really adored. They broke up, yet remained friends, but she claimed she had adopted us as her parents. My son was sort of okay with this, and she still came to family dinners, events, even when my son brought a new girlfriend along. Then she moved far away for work, but we kept in touch all the time over the phone and internet. Dear Eric: A beloved member of my close friend group has joined a drum troupe that plays at events through the city.

Source: Washington Post December 27, 2025 06:31 UTC