Dear Amy: I was digging through a dresser in my parents’ room a few days ago looking for a shirt that I could use for a Halloween costume. (This was with my parents’ permission.)
While digging through the dresser, however, I found a plastic box with a paper bag in it. I opened it.
In the paper bag was a smaller plastic bag containing what I think is marijuana.
I’m not completely sure what it is because I have never done drugs before (and do not plan to try them), but I did some research on the Internet, and the contents of the bag look like marijuana.
I have no idea if they have used it recently or if they ever used it at all. I don’t know what to do.
Should I confront them about it? If so, how?
Should I tell someone outside our family, and if so, who?
Should I just flush it?
Please help me figure out what to do!
Overwhelmed
Dear Overwhelmed: If your parents found a bag of weed (or something similar) in your room, they would worry about how to deal with it, as you are worrying now. Then they would have a difficult conversation with you.
I realize that it is going to be tough to bring this up, but you should try.
Here’s how you can approach it: “Mom? Can I talk to you? I found this in your drawer when I was looking for my costume shirt, and now I’m worried. Is this what I think it is?”
If you chicken out of initiating this conversation, simply place the box on top of their dresser with the bag beside it. Your parents will know that you found it, and this will put the burden on them to discuss it with you.
Try not to worry too much. This could be a relic from another life and time – left over from an era well before your folks were parents. They must be good parents, too, because they raised you, and you seem like a very good kid.
Dear Amy: I’m responding to “Forgotten,” who was upset that no one remembered her birthday.
When I was going to turn 40, I was worried that I would be surprised by friends with a party (I did not want this to happen), so I planned my own “surprise party.”
I am now 56 and still planning my own birthday parties.
I have a group of friends who come to my home for a five-course sit-down dinner, which I personally shop for, prepare and serve. It takes about three days of shopping and preparation; they love it, and so do I.
They come at 11 a.m. and stay until 5 p.m.
I serve one course an hour, with short fun games played between courses.
I send out invitations in advance, and even though I request no gifts, they bring them anyway.
I have one friend who flies in for this event every year; she says she wouldn’t miss it!
It’s My Party
Dear Party: This is a great idea. It is an annual celebration of your special day and your friendships at the same time.
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