US EditionAsking Eric: I’ve ‘Inherited’ My Dad’s Best Friend, but I Don’t Like Him
The narrator sought their father’s friend to learn about an absent parent but now finds the relationship emotionally challenging amid a history of family abuse.
- Recently, the narrator wrote to advice columnist R. Eric Thomas about their deceased father's 86-year-old longtime friend, hoping the friend’s recollections could reveal who their absent father was.
- Because the father was largely absent, the narrator seeks connection, recalling their father left them and their sibling with a horribly abusive mother.
- Hank's behaviour complicates the relationship as he often one-ups the narrator and repeats stories despite having a very good memory, straining their interactions.
- Rethinking the relationship may reduce strain as R. Eric Thomas, advice columnist, urged reconsidering expectations for Hank and suggested asking him to write memories or answer questions.
- Amid caregiving questions, the columnist and readers stressed first asking the elder's preference and cited family accompaniment or airport assistance as practical support alternatives.
30 Articles
30 Articles
Asking Eric: I inherited my father’s best friend, and all I want is to be rid of him
Dear Eric: I’m not sure what to do about my deceased father’s best friend. My father’s friend is currently 86 years old. I had hoped that he could fill me in on who my father was. My father was barely in my life; he left my brother and I with a horribly abusive mother.
Asking Eric: I don’t want my late father’s best friend in my life, but I don’t want to hurt him
DEAR ERIC: I’m not sure what to do about my deceased father’s best friend. My father’s friend is currently 86 years old. I had hoped that he could fill me in on who my father was. My father was barely in my life; he left my brother and I with a horribly abusive mother.
Asking Eric: I’ve ‘inherited’ my dad’s best friend, but I don’t like him
Dear Eric: I’m not sure what to do about my deceased father’s best friend. My father’s friend is currently 86 years old. I had hoped that he could fill me in on who my father was. My father was barely in my life; he left my brother and I with a horribly abusive mother.
Asking Eric: How can I escape my late father’s unbearable buddy?
Dear Eric: I’m not sure what to do about my deceased father’s best friend. My father’s friend is currently 86 years old. I had hoped that he could fill me in on who my father was. My father was barely in my life; he left my brother and me with a horribly abusive mother.
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- 84% of the sources are Center
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