Dear Abby advises a woman about her relationship with her mom.
My husband and I are in our 50s. For several months, I have been struggling with an issue I have with my mom. She constantly asks me how much my annual income is and how much my husband makes. In the 20-plus years we have been married, we have never asked to borrow money from my parents (or anyone, for that matter). We have always worked hard and managed our finances to ensure the needs of our family are met.
Dad is gone now, and for some reason, Mom has become overly invested in knowing our finances. She says she wants to be close to me, but that involves sharing what I deem to be something private between my husband and me. I strongly feel this is none of her business. In order to shut her up (for lack of a better term), and because she will not accept that it’s not for her to know, I give her a number I make up. Our financial status should not be what determines Mom’s relationship with us.
Am I wrong to feel this is a private matter between my husband and me and none of her business? I feel Mom is crossing a line.
