Dear Abby: I don’t want to visit my friend just to be free childcare

Greetings, Abby

Recently, I received an invitation to spend a long weekend at my friend’s new South Carolina house. Since the day she bought it, she has wanted me to visit. I sprained my ankle, which hasn’t healed yet, but I still offered to come down. My acquaintance then informed me that her two young children, along with her daughter and son-in-law, would be attending. When her daughter and son-in-law go out, she suggested we may watch her grandchildren while I was there. “I don’t want to go down there to babysit,” I informed her. I don’t like being a babysitter, and I don’t have any kids. Before she relocated, she would do this to me. She is now angry that I will not assist her. What ought I to do? I have no interest in going south.

NOT INTERESTED, DEAR:

You tell your deceptive buddy again that you are unable to chase after little children, that your ankle is still healing, and that getting around is tough. Inform her that you would love to visit her location and have a one-on-one meeting when you are well. Then don’t change a thing.

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Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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