Dear Prudence,
Four years ago, I struck up a close friendship with a neighbor just a few doors down. Our connection was instant: Our kids are the same age and adore each other as much as she and I do. But there’s a catch—she and her husband are pretty strict about his kids being supervised by only her. Even though we’re incredibly close and although I trust her with my kids, they won’t bend their rules, not even for me. I’ve offered to help out by watching her kids for a bit so she can catch a break, but she always insists she needs to be there. It’s a bit disheartening and honestly, it stings a little. I know that their hyper-vigilance is driven by fear of something happening to their kids, but honestly, you need to be able to trust at least some people in this world. Why refuse people who are trying to become your “village” in favor of isolation?
—Curiously Conflicted