Dear Abby: My kids are visiting and my ex won’t let me see them because she paid for their flights

DEAR ABBY: My daughter was living in my garage apartment but then got married and moved away. Her sister is in law school in another state, and her brother is even farther away in graduate school. I moved close enough to see them when they come to visit their hometown and their mother.

My ex-wife is flying the two out-of-state ones in for a visit, and I asked her if I could take them to lunch or dinner one of the days they are here. She replied that because she paid for the flights, she doesn’t have to let me have any time with them. (She seems to have forgotten that she owes me more money than she spent to fly the kids in.



) The last time I asked, she said I could come to her house to see them, but that was it. Because she’s being so unkind about this, I wouldn’t be comfortable. I guess I’m venting because there’s really nothing I can do.

Any ideas on how not to feel bad about this? -- SAD DAD IN TEXAS DEAR DAD: Your children are not “kids.” They are adults now. If you want to see them while they are in town, you don’t need to ask your ex-wife.

Reach out to them directly and ask what they would like to do. From your description of your relationship with your ex, it’s clear you are not friendly, but don’t let that stop you. You didn’t mention how close your bond is with your son and soon-to-be-lawyer daughter, but if it’s not too late, keep working to improve it.

*** TO MY READERS: For those who celebrate Easter, I wish you all a meaningful and memorable day. Happy Easter, everyone. -- LOVE, ABBY *** Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips.

Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.

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