Annie’s Mailbox: Mom loses interest in son’s tap dancing

Dear Annie: I am a 14-year-old boy. I’m on the swim team, and I take tap dancing lessons. But when I told my mom that I’d like to continue with both, she told me tap was a waste of time and that I would never go anywhere with it.

Only when one of my dance friends offered to take me to class after school did she agree that I could go. She still does not believe in my talent, even after being told multiple times that my instructors think I have plenty. She even missed some of my most important solos.

It’s like she has drifted away from me. She used to love seeing me tap dance, and now she rarely does. What should I do about her? – Gotta Dance

Dear Dance: You can be patient and hope she comes around. There could be many reasons why your mother suddenly doesn’t want to encourage you to dance, and it might help to ask her directly. But as long as she is willing to let you continue, and you enjoy it, we hope you will keep it up. Not every activity turns into a career, nor should it. Dancing, whether you are talented or not, keeps you in good physical condition and is fun to do.

Dear Annie: I read the letter from “Traveling Man,” whose retired husband has developed a phobia when it comes to car travel.

I was widowed when I met my twice-married husband 14 years ago. I had fully intended to live independently, but we fell in love, tossed caution to the wind and got married. We are still crazy in love. And we enjoy our own company.

On our honeymoon, he went deep-sea fishing, and I chose to go kayaking. I am 58 and have never been happier. Everyone advised me not to rush into a relationship, especially since he had custody of two teenagers. It wasn’t easy at times, but I am so grateful that the kids are a big part of my life.

So why am I writing this? Because you just never know. I did everything “wrong” and still ended up lucky in love. – Good Instincts