Article posted Thursday, April 3, 2014 9:39am

Dear Mary Pat,

My father is stuck in his ways. He lives in Sister Bay and every time we come up for a visit from Minnesota he takes us to the same restaurants.

I say, “Dad, I think the kids and I would love to try something new – we know there are a plethora of great dining options up here.” He scowls and says he only likes a certain dish at a certain place for a certain meal served by a certain somebody and that’s the way it is.

How do I get him to try something new? And if that’s an impossible feat, can I take my family somewhere new without offending him?

Signed,

Same ol’, Same ol’

Dear Same Ol’, Same Ol’,

We all become creatures of habit. Your dad likes what he likes and doesn’t seem willing to change. Maybe he prefers the food, maybe he prefers the price? (Maybe he thinks you saying, “There are a plethora of great dining options” seems a tad too formal/too urban food guide?)

Whatever the reason, he doesn’t want to branch out. So instead of asking your dad, respectfully let him know that you are taking the kids out for one dinner of their choice. I can’t imagine he would be offended by that.

And as far as the other meals are concerned, maybe stick with what your dad wants to do. You can always take the kids out for ice cream later. And after all, the main reason you are together is to visit and catch up.

Good luck,

Mary Pat