Dear Abby: Date change of funeral leads to death of friendship

Friendship Fizzle: When Life's Crises Take a Toll

In North Carolina, a devoted friend is feeling betrayed by a seemingly minor change of plans. Mylene, a fellow dog-sitter, initially agreed to care for her furry companion while she was away at a funeral in another state. However, when the date changed, Mylene suddenly became unavailable, citing work commitments.

Despite offering help and support over the years, including lending a hand during illness or emergency situations, Mylene's response has left the friend "disappointed" and feeling taken for granted. In an attempt to rectify the situation, the friend has reached out multiple times, only to be met with dismissive emojis.

Dear Abby advises her not to expect immediate compensation or grand gestures in exchange for favors, suggesting that such expectations can create unbalanced relationships. Instead, she recommends that the friend should "find another dog-sitter immediately" and move on.

Meanwhile, across the country in Ohio, two exhausted grandparents are struggling with their daughter's 10-year-old granddaughter. The young girl's behavior is becoming increasingly challenging to manage, with her being rude, manipulative, and deceitful. Her parents' inconsistent discipline only seems to embolden her bad behavior, with even a short timeout failing to make an impact.

Dear Abby offers guidance by recommending that the daughter consult a child psychologist to address the girl's troubled behavior. Without proper intervention, experts warn that this behavior can lead to serious issues down the line.

I think this situation highlights how fragile our relationships can be . Mylene's sudden unavailability and dismissive response feel like a slap in the face, especially after all her friend has done for her over the years . It's easy to see why the friend is feeling taken advantage of.

On the other hand, I do think Dear Abby hits the nail on the head with her advice to move on. Holding onto expectations of grand gestures or compensation can indeed create unbalanced relationships . However, it's also worth exploring whether there were any underlying issues that led Mylene to behave in this way - perhaps she was feeling overwhelmed herself?

In contrast, the situation with the 10-year-old girl seems more complex. It's not just a matter of discipline or boundaries, but rather addressing deeper psychological issues . I think it's great that Dear Abby is advocating for seeking professional help from a child psychologist. With proper support and intervention, we can work to shape healthy behaviors and relationships .

Mylene is such a ! I mean, I get it, life's gonna throw you curveballs, but cancelling plans at the last minute? That's just dog-sitting 101, right? And now she's giving her friend the cold shoulder with those emojis? Not cool, girl!

On a more serious note, I feel for that poor grandparent who's dealing with her daughter's drama. It's like, they're already exhausted from work and whatnot, and now they've got this tiny human throwing tantrums left and right? That's some stressful stuff right there! And yeah, getting a child psychologist might be the best move - kiddos need guidance and structure, or else it can lead to major issues down the line.

I feel so bad for Mylene's friend . I mean, she's been there for her all these years, lending a helping paw and being super supportive... it just doesn't seem fair that Mylene is giving her the cold shoulder . Maybe Dear Abby has a point about not expecting grand gestures in return, but it still stings to be left feeling unappreciated . And can you believe those parents are struggling with their daughter's behavior? It's like they're giving her a free pass to be naughty . Maybe that child psychologist is exactly what they need... and a healthy dose of consistency from those grandparents, stat!

I totally get why Mylene is feeling taken for granted . I've been there too with friends who just cancel plans at the last minute without even explaining . But at the same time, I think it's unfair that she's being so dismissive all of a sudden. One day you're there to help, the next day you're MIA? It does seem like Mylene is expecting something in return for her past favors, but maybe not immediately . The thing is, relationships are all about give and take, and sometimes people get out of balance . But I'd want some more reassurance that she's just having a bad day and not intentionally being rude . On the other hand, poor girl in Ohio... 10 years old should NOT be dealing with this kind of stuff . It sounds like her parents need to take a step back and seek professional help ASAP .

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." Can't believe how things can change in an instant... one minute we're lending a helping hand, the next we're being taken for granted? It's like our patience just got dog-sat too

I feel so bad for Mylene, but I also think she got what was coming to her . She kept bailing on our friend when they were in a tough spot and now she's ghosting them over a minor change of plans? That's some major shade right there! And yeah, it's not about expecting grand gestures or compensation, it's about basic respect for the people who've been there for you. My friend was offering help and support without even asking for anything in return, that's what friends are for .

And on a related note, I think some parents need to take a hard look at themselves. If they can't discipline their kid properly, maybe they should step aside and let the experts handle it. It's not like they're trying to be perfect or anything, just basic parenting skills would do . And yeah, getting a child psychologist is a great idea, that could make all the difference in addressing some of these behavioral issues

just thinking about these situations and i'm like omg how hard is it to be reliable as a friend or family member lol they need to just communicate better and show appreciation for all the good times you've shared, not just take people for granted when things get tough. and grandparents trying to deal with their grandkid's behavior on top of everything else? that's too much stress what i'd do is try to find ways to connect with my own kids even when they're being crazy, like have a family game night or something

I mean, what's up with people being so flaky? Mylene's just bailing on her friend at the last minute because work commitments became a thing... meanwhile she's been raking in dog-sitting dough all these years and doesn't even have the decency to offer some basic gratitude or an apology . And now she's dismissing her friend with just a few emojis? That's just rude, period.

And don't even get me started on the grandparents in Ohio... their daughter needs to step up her parenting game ASAP! 10-year-old behavior like that is not normal and it's only gonna lead to problems later on. I mean, I get it, kids can be tough to manage at times, but this level of disrespect? Not cool . And yeah, a child psychologist sounds like just what the doctor ordered. Someone needs to teach that little girl some manners and boundaries pronto!

I feel kinda bad for Mylene, she's being super harsh on her friend, especially after all the help and support they've given each other over the years . But at the same time, I get why her friend is feeling taken for granted - it's like she just gave up on helping out in a moment of need .

And omg with that grandma situation? what's going on with those parents?! They can't even manage their own kid's behavior . It's so frustrating when you see kids being left to run wild and not learning any boundaries or respect for others .

I think the expert advice from Dear Abby is spot on though , especially about finding a new dog-sitter ASAP . And for that grandma, it's time for some serious intervention . Those kids need guidance and structure to learn good behavior .

ugh these situations are so draining on ppl's energy & emotional wellbng... i mean, you gotta wonder what ppl r thinking when they cancel plans at the last min or just dont show up mylene should've been more considerate of her friend's feelings & offered a better explanation 4 the change in plans... and those grandparents r doing thier best but it sounds like they need some professional help 2 deal w/ the kid's behavior consulting a child psychologist is def the way 2 go

so i think its pretty messed up when ppl change plans last min and expect u 2 handle it 4 them. like mylene had no problem takin ur dog while u were out of town but waaant 2 bail on u when things get tough? & yeah dearabby's advice 2 move on is a bit harsh, dont u think? what if ur friends are goin thru their own stuff and cant afford 2 take care of ur dog?

i feel bad for mylene's friend, she seems like she was being super supportive and loyal over the years... I mean, who expects a small favor like dog-sitting in exchange for nothing? It's not like she was asking for money or something huge, just a simple help out. And those dismissive emojis? that can't be fun to receive.

on the other hand, i totally get why dear abby is advising mylene's friend to move on... you can't control others' emotions and reactions all the time . and with those grandparents, it sounds like they need some serious professional help ASAP I mean, 10 years old should be able to behave herself without needing constant intervention!

Ugh, can you believe these stories? First it's some lady who feels betrayed 'cause her friend flaked on dog-sitting gigs and now some grandma is dealing with a kid who's literally breaking all the rules What's up with that? Shouldn't we be supporting each other and helping out, not expecting people to just step up and do it for free? And what's with Dear Abby telling everyone to just move on? I think we should be advocating for change and holding our friends and family accountable for their actions. We need to work together as a community to create more empathy and understanding

OMG, I feel so bad for Mylene ... like she just cancelled on someone when they needed her most? And those dismissive emojis? What's going through her mind?

But yeah, Dear Abby is right - we shouldn't expect grand gestures or compensation from our friends just 'cause we helped them out in the past. It's all about balance, you know? Maybe Mylene was having a rough time at work and couldn't reschedule?

And those grandparents in Ohio ... poor daughter! It sounds like she's got some serious behavioral issues that need addressing ASAP. I'd totally recommend getting the girl seen by a child psychologist, too - it's not just about parenting, but also about giving her the tools to deal with life's ups and downs Maybe they can figure out what triggered this behavior and work on a plan to help their daughter grow into a confident kid?

I feel so bad for Mylene's friend - I mean, she's been there for her through thick and thin... or should I say, through dog poop and vet visits? It's not cool how Mylene is making her feel like a doormat just 'cause things changed. But you know what they say: don't hold your breath for grand gestures from someone who's only good for helping out when it's convenient.

Meanwhile, I gotta feel sorry for those grandparents in Ohio... their poor daughter is struggling to manage her kiddo's behavior, and it's not easy. A child psychologist would be a lifesaver - these behavioral issues can really take a toll on families if not addressed properly. On the bright side, at least they're taking steps to seek help, which shows some parenting skills ...

I feel bad for Mylene's friend, she seems like a really understanding and supportive person, always willing to lend a helping hand . But at the same time, I get why Mylene might've felt overwhelmed or stressed about work commitments - priorities can be tough sometimes .

And on another note, I'm worried about that little girl's behavior . It sounds like she needs some professional help and guidance from a child psychologist. As a parent, it's hard to balance discipline with being understanding, but consulting a pro could really make a difference . Maybe the grandparents can take a deep breath and try to have an open conversation with their daughter about her parenting style?

Ugh I feel so bad for Mylene's friend - she sounds like a total angel who has been there for her all these years and still got played. That work excuse is just not believable . And I agree with Dear Abby, don't expect anything in return just because you're willing to help out. But what really gets me is that Mylene's dismissive emojis are not even a nice way of saying sorry - they're just a lazy cop-out .

And poor grandparents in Ohio... their daughter sounds like she needs some serious parenting lessons . I mean, even a timeout isn't working? That's not discipline, that's just letting the kid walk all over you. I'm definitely with Dear Abby on this one - get the girl to therapy ASAP!

I feel for the friend who was betrayed by Mylene, it's one thing to have plans change but to be ghosted like that is pretty hurtful . I think what hurts the most is the lack of communication and consideration from Mylene's side. It's not just about the work commitment excuse, it's about how she handled it.

As for the grandma situation in Ohio, I'm all for finding a way to get that kid some help ASAP . But I think the solution lies not with changing parents or getting a new babysitter but with understanding what's driving this behavior. That child psychologist is onto something here. I mean, 10 years old shouldn't be exhibiting that kind of attitude and behavior . Something's gotta give on the mom and dad's end, or else they're gonna have to face the consequences later down the line .

I'm literally so over people assuming you're just gonna drop everything for them! Mylene should've known better than to ghost my friend like that . I mean, years of being there for her and she just blows off the plans? Not cool, not cool at all . And what's up with this whole "find another dog-sitter" thing? Like, doesn't she get it? My friend needs someone who'll actually show up when they say they will .

And can we talk about those grandparents for a sec? I'm all for helping out the family, but some of these parents just need to step up their game . A child psychologist is not a bad idea at all - those kids are smart and should be able to deal with a little discipline . It's not like it's that hard to set boundaries or anything... maybe if the parents would actually stick to them, the kid wouldn't be so misbehaved in the first place . Anyway, gotta give my friend some support - they deserve better than someone who just bails on them at the last minute .