Dear Abby: Teen’s affection normal

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Dear Abby: Thank you for your response to “Alarmed in Apple Valley” (Aug. 28), who was concerned because her teenage nephew shows so much affection toward his mother. I raised a very affectionate son who, to this day at age 30, hugs and kisses me no matter where we meet.

I raised him with the principle that because he is male does not mean he has to hide his feelings as generations before him did. My daughter-in-law tells me often that she could not ask for a better husband and father to her children.

Americans coddle girls when they hurt, but a boy is supposed to “take it like a man” and not express his feelings. I am pleased to know other mothers out there are also raising their sons to be well-rounded, emotionally healthy men. – Proud Mom of a Navy Son

Dear Proud Mom: I advised the “Alarmed” aunt that she was off base in her concerns, and the majority of readers who wrote to comment agreed. Read on:

Dear Abby: I hope “Alarmed in Apple Valley” doesn’t end up doing what my sister did when she saw the display of affection between my 11-year-old daughter and me, her dad. My sister’s “concern” prompted her to coerce her adult son into visiting my clergyperson about it. A short investigation found me innocent of wrongdoing but left me with my innocence violated. Relationships were drastically altered – especially between my sister and me. Eventually, I came to realize why she was so suspicious of abuse. She herself was willing to abuse – the church, her son, her brother and her niece. – Wiser Now in Salt Lake City

• Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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