select * from tbl_news where devision_sn = 1376 and devision = 3 Dear Abby
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  Learning Times > 독해/번역 > Dear Abby
 
  Date : 2012-04-16
Old mother wants to live her own life

자신의 삶을 살고 싶은 나이든 어머니
 
DEAR ABBY: I have been living with my daughter and her family for two years because I lost my job. I don't pay rent, but help out with the utilities and buy my own groceries. I also baby-sit for them several days a week. The only money I have is an inheritance my father left me to live on, and it is dissipating quickly.
 
I have met a man and have fallen in love with him. I plan to move in with him soon. The problem is my daughter and son-in-law owe me money. They promised it would be repaid, but when I ask when, they give me the run-around. (They always have money for tattoos, movies and concerts, though.) They also expect me to baby-sit for them on weekends, but that's the only time I can see my boyfriend.
 
How do I tell them I want to live my own life? I want to be free and not have to worry about them needing me to baby-sit and making me feel guilty about it. I'm afraid they'll say that because I lived with them, they no longer owe me the money. I don't know how to tell them without it turning ugly. Any suggestions would be appreciated. ― FRUSTRATED IN K.C., MO.
 
DEAR FRUSTRATED: I presume your daughter and son-in-law have met your boyfriend? Announce the good news that you will be living with him; it shouldn't be shocking. Ask again for the money that they owe you. Be pleasant, but firm, and don't let it escalate into an argument. If they say they don't have it, ask them to sign (and date) a note promising to repay it at a later date. That will be your proof that a loan was extended. If they refuse, with no proof that you loaned them money, you won't have leverage to force them to pay up.
 
As for the baby-sitting, do it when it's convenient for you. If they want their "freedom" on some weekends, let them pay you instead of a sitter and work off part of their obligation that way. But insist on cash.
 
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DEAR ABBY: My husband is 70 and I'm 68. We have been married for two years. His previous wife was 22 years younger than him, and he seems to delight in bringing the age thing up. I feel so old and insecure. Have you any words of wisdom to offer me? -- THE OLD LADY
 
DEAR LADY: Two can play your husband's game. The next time he mentions it, tell him the reason she's his "ex" is that he was too old for her -- which is why this time he wised up and picked on somebody "his own size."
  
* dissipate 없어지다, (재산을) 낭비하다 (=to spend or use up wastefully or foolishly)

* run-around 대답 회피 (=indecisive or evasive treatment, especially in response to a request)

* escalate 확대시키다 (=increase in extent or intensity)

* leverage 영향력 (=power to act effectively)

* work off 떠넘기다 (=to dispose of or get rid of by work or activity)
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