DEAR ABBY: When I was an unmarried 18-year-old, I had a child out of wedlock. Unsure that I could provide for him, I chose to place him for adoption so he would have a chance for a better life. This year, we connected through DNA. The reunion has been great, even though I choose to remain in the background because his mother is still living.

Would it be appropriate this fall and winter to include him in my holiday festivities as long as it doesn't interfere with the time he should be spending with his family? And, after his mother passes away, what role should I play in his life? His father is deceased, and he and his adopted brother are estranged. -- BIO MOM IN TEXAS

DEAR BIO MOM: Your son should have told his adoptive mother about the reunion, regardless of who initiated it. I think it would be better for everyone if she was included. A way to do that would be to thank her for taking such good care of your son and helping him to become the man he is today. I do not think secrecy is healthy. If it backfires, there will be deeply hurt feelings because of the subterfuge. At this point in your son's life it's too late for you to be his mommy. However, you can be a good friend, since his only family now is the woman who loved and raised him.

DEAR ABBY: I have been dating a man for almost three years. He's retired; I'm still working. He refuses to stay with me during the week because I need to go to bed early. I see him only on the weekends. Am I wrong for wanting him to stay with me during the week? I feel like we really don't have a relationship. My previous boyfriends would stay with me every night. Am I doomed with this man? By the way, he's been married four times. -- WANTS MORE IN MICHIGAN

DEAR WANTS MORE: Wake up. The man you have been dating isn't going to change. He has struck out at marriage four times and may have plans during the week that do not include staying with a Sleeping Beauty. If you want more companionship than what you're getting, you are going to have to seek it elsewhere.

南さつま市　竹田神社で稚児踊り奉納[08/31 16:05]

https://www.mbc.co.jp/news/article/2021083100051459.html

鹿児島県南さつま市の竹田神社で稚児踊りが奉納されました。
南さつま市加世田にある竹田神社の二才踊りと稚児踊りは、戦国時代の武将・島津忠良が出陣前に部下に踊らせたのが始まりともいわれ、県の無形民俗文化財に指定されています。
今年は、加世田小学校の児童４５人がコロナ収束を願い、鐘や太鼓をたたき、歌を歌いながら踊りを奉納しました。

コロナ対策でマスクやフェイスシールドを着けての踊りでしたが、子どもたちは元気よく踊っていました。