My husband is willing to leave without us, get settled and let our son finish high school here. I don't want to separate the family. Can you help us?
- Not "At Ease" in Georgia
DEAR NOT AT EASE: Do not separate your family. If this were your son's last year of high school, I might feel differently. However, there is still plenty of time for him to make new friends at a new high school. Because he doesn't want to lose his old ones, he can stay in touch with them electronically.
DEAR ABBY: I have a pet peeve, and it's an aggravation I encounter frequently. For some reason, people do not understand hours of business. Our hours are always clearly posted, so please don't knock on the door before the business is open.
My personal irritant has to do with closing time. When the sign says we close at 9 p.m., it means the doors lock at that time. It does not mean that if you can slide in the door 30 seconds before closing that we must stay and serve your needs for however long you are present.
- Had a Long Day, Richland, Wash.
DEAR HAD A LONG DAY: You can always refuse to open your door early and "remind" anyone who enters just before closing that you lock your door promptly at the posted hour. Individuals who want more personalized service are free to shop at stores with more flexible hours. (And they will.)
