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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Annie’s Mailbox: Issues can be deeper than bad behavior

Kathy Mitchell/Marcy Sugar Kathy Mitchell

Dear Annie: I have two grown children, both married with kids. My youngest, “Carrie,” has a 14-year-old daughter who has been seeing a boy for a year.

The other day, we were visiting Carrie, and my granddaughter and her boyfriend got very cozy at the dining room table, kissing and making out in front of the entire family. Carrie didn’t say a word.

I think this is terrible. Carrie is not the easiest person to approach about it, however. If I say anything to her, I doubt she’ll respond well. Any suggestions? – Grandmother in Boston

Dear Boston: Carrie may have reasons for ignoring such inappropriate behavior. Perhaps this teenage granddaughter already has plenty of issues with her mother, and Carrie has decided to ignore as much as she can. If you spend time alone with your granddaughter (and we recommend it), you can discuss these things directly and calmly with her. Otherwise, it would be a good idea to stay out of it.

Dear Annie: My dentist performed a root canal on the wrong tooth. Because of his mistake, I had to go through two root canals and two crown preps. He didn’t charge me for the one he did in error, but I did get a bill for more than $2,000 for the other.

I feel violated.

I know I could sue him for malpractice, but I don’t want the stress of going to court. And the dentist told me if I sue and don’t prove my case, he would countersue with a defamation claim.

Should I report him to the dental board? – A Lakes Region

Dear Region: Telling your family is your choice. Mistakes can happen in any profession. However, this dentist should have apologized profusely instead of becoming defensive and threatening you with a countersuit. We recommend you call your state dental society about resolving this conflict. If that doesn’t help, you can consult an attorney and find out whether it’s worth pursuing a financial solution.