He’s no longer a shaggy dog

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Updated: February 27, 2012 8:18AM

Dr. Wallace: I’m 19 and have a full-time job, but I still live at home with my mother. I pay her room and board because she doesn’t have an abundance of cash, so the money I give her helps pay the bills. Two years ago, I was dating a guy I cared for, but for some reason my mother didn’t like him. When I look back on it, the reason was his shaggy dog appearance. He had extra-long hair and a shaggy beard. He also wore jeans, cowboy boots and a scroungy leather jacket. Instead of a hat, he wore a red kerchief tied around his forehead. Randy left town because of a run-in with the police, and they told him that if he left town (He was 21.) they wouldn’t press charges. He did. He went to South Carolina to live with his brother.

Last week, Randy came by my work, and I almost died when I saw him. His hair was a lot shorter than it once was. Gone was the hair on his face and his cowboy clothes. He wore a nice shirt and neat slacks. He took me to lunch, and we also went out that evening. I’ve been out with him three times since he’s been back home and yes, the spark is still there.

Of course, my mother is not aware that I’m seeing Randy again. Since I’m 19, soon to be 20, I realize that I don’t need permission from Mom to date Randy, but I don’t want to upset her. Should I continue seeing Randy without telling Mom that I am, or should I tell her and possibly make her upset?

Sheila, Carson City, Nev.

Sheila: Tell Mom that Randy has returned to Carson City, and she will be surprised when she sees him because the “redneck” appearance he once had is gone. He now has a new look and a new attitude. Have Randy and you take Mom out for dinner so she can see this for herself. It is better that you inform Mom about Randy rather than having her hear about it from an acquaintance.

Write to Dr. Wallace
at rwallace@galesburg.net