“Left Speechless,” a 55-year-old mother struggling with responses to strangers questioning if she is her children’s grandmother, received supportive and insightful advice from the Dear Annie community. Many readers shared their own experiences and offered suggestions for handling similar situations.
One reader, a happy mom in Kansas, simply replies with a smile, “I’m the mom. I was blessed later in life.” Another reader, surprised to be a mom again at 42, jokingly says, “No, we did that all by ourselves,” causing the questioner to feel embarrassed and stop asking.
Another reader emphasized the importance of not assuming offense in innocent questions, suggesting that the mother should fortify herself and not seek validation from others. By embracing her identity as a mother, she can find strength and confidence in herself.
Several other readers shared their own experiences of being mistaken for grandparents and offered different ways to respond, such as asking why the questioner is curious.
Overall, the Dear Annie community is filled with understanding and encouragement for “Left Speechless” and other mothers who may face similar situations. The readers’ responses show that there is a wide range of ways to navigate these encounters with grace and humor. If you have a question for Annie Lane, you can send it to dearannie@creators.com.
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