Greetings, Abby Nearly 85 years old, my mother has chosen to dress like me. She compliments me on my appearance every time she meets me and inquires about the source of the top I’m wearing. She’s wearing the same top the next time I see her.
It has become absurd.
My black beach coverup is designed to appear as though it was knitted or crocheted. She went out and got one for herself. I promise you that this is not appropriate for an 85-year-old woman who is extremely overweight. What am I able to do? — IN THE SOUTH TWIN
Stories by
Abigail Van Buren
-
Dear Abby: Dad turns his back on son who decides to take his new wife s last name
-
Dear Abby: It feels dishonest to beg for donations for someone who likely will mismanage the money
-
Dear Abby: Woman who avoided re-marriage before rethinks the prospect as she ages
Greetings, Twin: Have you expressed your displeasure to your mother? You ought to if you haven’t already.
Additionally, you ought to offer to accompany her shopping and assist her in finding some adorable items that will enhance her appearance.
She’s mutton dressed as lamb, a garment designer once told me years ago. If your mother believes that dressing exactly like you will make her appear as young as you, she is naive.
But believe me when I say that she will be extremely offended if you tell her that. Relax. Since you can’t stop her and she isn’t hurting anyone, let her go on her own.
Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
