Dear Urban Diplomat: Should I ask my 72-year-old mom why she’s taking STD medication?
Dear Urban Diplomat, My 72-year-old mother recently moved into a retirement home. On our last visit, I noticed her taking a new medication. She wouldn’t say why, but I googled it and found out it’s to treat an STD! My mom is very private so I can’t ask her what’s up. What should I do?
—Assisted Living Misgivings, Mimico
From what I hear, seniors’ homes can be lustier than a mud orgy at Woodstock. Come to think of it, given your mom’s age, it wouldn’t surprise me if she attended said festival and got her freak on between bong hits. I suggest you first talk to the staff to see if there’s anything you should be concerned about. If there isn’t—everything’s consensual, there’s no dementia—then back away and let your mom have some fun in the time she has left. If it makes you feel better, you could tag along to a dinner at the home one night and check out her wizened Lothario. The food won’t be Michelin-star quality, but you will get a chance to decide whether he’s a harmless old horndog or a cad. Either way, keep your assessment to yourself. Your mom’s all grown up and has earned the right to be treated as such.
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