DEAR ABBY: I have been divorced for many years and have a partner. "Andy" is a widower whose wife died 20 years ago. We have been a couple for 13 years, although we don't live together.
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My son is 30, and his partner is 40. Both have their own families and busy lives. I met Andy while my son still lived at home, so he has never spent the night here. My elderly mother lives with me, so it's easier that I stay over at Andy's place. We talk most nights for an hour or so on the phone.
My issue is: Although Andy knows my extended family, and while I know his son's story, I have never met his son. When I asked about it once, he said it was for "privacy" reasons and that his previous girlfriend never met his son either. I find this really odd. My son doesn't like Andy because of this. I don't understand it, but I can live with it. What is your take on it, please? -- MYSTIFIED IN AUSTRALIA
DEAR MYSTIFIED: My take is that, after 13 years, in the normal course of things, you should have met Andy's son. There must be a reason why your partner is keeping you and his son apart. People who are this concerned with privacy usually have secrets they are guarding. Finding out the reason for this is more important than your meeting his son.