DEAR ABBY: My son is 65 and has been dating a 25-year-old he met in his art class. I keep hearing from him that she says she loves him. I tell him it is ridiculous. He lives with me and wants to know if they can move in with me. I am 86, and he has been living with me for 10 years, which I am blessed and thankful for. I told him no way! I can't believe that her mother is even allowing this. Am I too old-fashioned, or is this the new fad? -- DISAPPROVING IN ARIZONA

DEAR DISAPPROVING: You are thinking pragmatically. Your son thinks he's in love. At 25, a young woman is considered an adult and capable of making her own choices in romance -- even May-December ones. It's possible that she loves your son. (There is more than one kind of love.)

Before drawing a line in the sand, make an effort to get to know her. With time, she may grow tired of being with both of you and decide to move on. If you are adamant that you can't tolerate another woman living in your home, you are right to refuse. But I caution you: If you do, you may find your son will move out to be with her.

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