I work two jobs and still don’t earn enough

Dear Abby

lifestyle

by Dear Abby

April 15, 2023 | 3:00 am

Dear Abby: I am 20 years old and dating a marine. I work in a hospital and also have a part time job. I recently rented an apartment near where my boyfriend is staying, and I’m screwing my ass off to be independent. My friend is suffering because he is also suffering from a lot and not making much money. I’m the breadwinner now, and honestly, I’m tired. I work very hard, and I’m really stressed out. Life is hard, and I really feel like I can’t get some rest. Any advice? – drowned in Virginia

Dear exhausted: This is the life you have chosen and you do everything you can. Carrying too much stress is bad for your emotional and physical health. Your boyfriend may not be making a lot of money now, but he’s not broke. It may be time to step back and review your finances and finances, and whether you should continue to be the breadwinner. Things might get easier as your friend gains rank and seniority in the military.

Dear Abby: A couple moved next door several years ago. My wife and I would welcome them and do some socializing with them (dinners, festivals, parties). We soon realized we had little in common with them. When we are together, the conversation is very difficult and stressful. They are good people, but we no longer enjoy doing things with them. The problem is how do we explain that to them? We have turned down many invitations and offers to spend time together, but it continues. They have many friends and other contacts, so loneliness is not the problem. How can we get the message across without being rude? We run out of excuses. – of excuses in the south

Dear Excuses: There is no polite way to tell people that you don’t enjoy being with them. However, people today have compelling commitments, and full schedules; They develop new interests and juggle a busy social life. This is the truth of life. Since these neighbors have many friends and other contacts, they will find a way to fill their time if you keep “busy.”

Dear Abby: Whenever I see strangers, especially 30-somethings, throw gum wrappers and food and drink containers on the floor, I have mixed feelings. I want to approach them and say something like, “Did you throw that on the floor? Is that how you were raised—to expect others to pick you up after you?” Then I imagine the dirty looks I’m going to get, or worse, and escalate into an argument. I care about the environment and the society in which I live. And it saddens me that people do not have the same respect or concern for the future of the environment. Do you have any ideas on how to briefly tell people to stop littering without it sounding like I’m telling them to? – Citizen Care in New Jersey

Dear citizen: That some individuals do not respect the environment and their neighbors is disappointing. If you execute your imagination, it will almost certainly trigger a defensive and angry reaction. If that gives you some satisfaction, consider picking up the trash yourself.

Abbey Abbey was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jane Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.