Hello!

A bit off topic: Passwords have been an issue with my parents, too! I got them a computer and internet several years ago (mainly so that I could use it when I was there), so there are lots of passwords to keep track of. I set up all of it, and wrote everything down. Still, they can’t access any accounts without calling me first.

Even customer service by telephone requires passwords! My parents still do all their banking in person, at the same bank branch they went to when we first moved to Canada, in a neighbourhood where they no longer live. My father insists that loyalty is more important than convenience. And sure enough, when I once went there to pay some bills for them while they were away on holidays, the teller was genuinely concerned and asked me if they were ok. My own bank has no idea who I am!

My father becomes furious sometimes when he asks the bank teller for some information and they tell him to go home and look it up online! He can be pretty loud, even when he’s not angry, so someone does eventually answer his questions. I don’t blame him for being angry - he’s 85 and expects to be waited on! And he figures that those bank tellers only have their jobs because of people like him who keep going there in person.

I had to laugh a few months ago when my mother wanted me to look up something for her online. I was asked one of those questions like “What high school did you attend?”, only the question for my mother was “What is your favourite dessert?”. I forgot that I had set it up at some point, but I didn’t even remember choosing that question. I took a wild stab and typed it “cake”, and it was correct! Ha! I let my mother know for the next time it happens.