Dear Abby: Shy teens take it slow while getting to know each other

On the plus side, this boy is comfortable with your group or he wouldn’t be having lunch with you.

If you all socialize beyond eating together (such as going to school dances or sporting events), make sure he knows he’s welcome.

If he takes you up on it, it will give you both a chance to get to know each other better, and it may help him to overcome some of his shyness.

Dear Abby: I just want people to know you can succeed in raising your kids as a single parent if you put your mind to it.

If you get it in writing, you can share it with the mother of those children and the other relatives.

Frankly, as concerned as I am about your mother losing her balance because she is distracted, I am equally concerned about the welfare of the kids.

If your mom should fall and hit her head or break a hip, would they know what to do to help her?

[...] if something like a fire should happen, would she be competent enough to get the children out and call the fire department?

What you have described could be a recipe for disaster.