Their idea of having fun is actually against the law
Dear Annie: My husband likes to do chores around our large, deserted property in the nude. Last summer, he went for three days and never once put clothes on. I like to see him naked, but I worry we could get into trouble with the law if a police officer drove down our road and saw him out there au naturel.
My husband says we are in the country minding our own business and, therefore, it's OK. I wonder if one needs to stay a certain distance from the road. We have no children, so that's not a concern. The only person who drops by is the milkman, but he always comes at the same time, so we make sure we are clothed.
There are rare occasions where I will join my husband outside in the nude. It feels great and makes life more fun, but I am a little nervous. We aren't doing anything indecent -- just having fun. Should we be concerned? Need An Answer in Wisconsin
Dear Wisconsin: It's against the law in Wisconsin to be nude in public. Although this is your private property, if you can be seen from the road, it's considered public indecency. Whether or not the risk is worth it is entirely your choice, but you might want to limit the nudity to those sections of your property that are less visible to the local traffic, no matter how sporadic.
Dear Annie: Our sons, ages 20 and 22, gave us nothing for Christmas. In past years, their father or I have suggested gifts ("Let's get Dad a watch . . . "), and they would contribute a little cash. This year, however, we said nothing to either of them and got exactly that.
After a few days of feeling hurt, I confronted them. They told me because of their limited funds, they decided not to get us, or each other, anything (although they bought gifts for their girlfriends). Their dad suggested they could have written a card, but to do nothing, say nothing and apparently not feel bad about it is disappointing.
While we have taken care of all our sons' needs and most of their wants, we don't feel we have overindulged them. In fact, they both are required to hold down campus jobs to pay for books and spending money.
I'm thinking of letting their birthdays go by this year, to help them understand how it feels to be ignored. Where did we go wrong, Annie? Sad Mom
Dear Sad: You didn't go wrong. Your expectations were unrealistic. Your sons have never purchased gifts for their parents without your help. You suddenly decide not to help, knowing they have limited funds and girlfriends to impress, and you are surprised by the result. Was this a test?
Yes, they should at least have given you a card. So teach them how to be considerate young men. Explain that parents like to know their children are thinking of them and if they cannot afford a gift, you would appreciate a card. You may have to remind them once more, but after that, we think they will get it.
Dear Annie: I have a bit of additional information for "Addicted to Painkillers." Your advice to contact Narcotics Anonymous and Pills Anonymous is excellent. However, these painkillers are classified as opioids/narcotics, and many people will need help getting off them safely, especially if they still have chronic pain.
Doctors specializing in addictions can help with detoxification from pain medication. One of the most effective methods uses buprenorphine, a relatively new medication that eliminates most of the withdrawal discomfort. Your readers can find a doctor to prescribe this medication through buprenorphine.samhsa.gov. Berton Toews, M.D., Casper, Wyo.
Dear Dr. Toews: Thank you for the expert update. (Readers should know that doctors recommend concurrent behavioral therapies along with buprenorphine, since medication alone doesn't always do the trick.)
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