Dear Abby

Daughter’s birth returns memories of abuse
Dear Abby

Daughter’s birth returns memories of abuse

August 18, 2018

He recently told me he’s afraid of holding our 4-month-old daughter or changing her diaper in case he does something abusive by mistake. Besides constant reassurances and encouragement, how can…

Dad still doesn’t trust boyfriend
Dear Abby

Dad still doesn’t trust boyfriend

August 17, 2018

Gary is and always has been the love of my life, as I am his. He would do anything for me. He says he wants to marry me and have…

Job loss ends office affair
Dear Abby

Job loss ends office affair

August 16, 2018

I have found full-time work and I’m still married, but I’m not in love with my wife like I am with Jamie. I have tried to stay in contact with…

Girlfriend does not want sex
Dear Abby

Girlfriend does not want sex

August 15, 2018

When I was 17, I was raped by my ex-boyfriend, and I admit it traumatized me. But that isn’t what my problem is. I honestly don’t feel any need for…

Texts from mom raise concern
Dear Abby

Texts from mom raise concern

August 13, 2018

The problem is James’ mother. She’s well meaning, and she has always been incredibly sweet to me, but she has started texting and questioning me about how I am doing,…

Wife keeps debt a secret
Dear Abby

Wife keeps debt a secret

August 12, 2018

We share our bills, but I am broke all the time. I have credit card debt he doesn’t know about. (He hates being in debt.) I have had a problem…

No wedding invite for selfless friend
Dear Abby

No wedding invite for selfless friend

August 11, 2018

The kicker: My husband and I were not invited to the wedding, and when she returned my gown, it had lipstick on it and cake down the front. It wasn’t…

Guilt remains after friendship ends
Dear Abby

Guilt remains after friendship ends

August 10, 2018

While I was on vacation two years ago, she was diagnosed with cancer. I came home immediately and drove to the hospital at 1 a.m. to be by her side.…

Mom charges rent after wedding
Dear Abby

Mom charges rent after wedding

August 9, 2018

When I moved in, his mom asked that I pay rent. I guess in the back of my mind I thought it would change after we got married. Do you…

Grandma worries about exposed toddler
Dear Abby

Grandma worries about exposed toddler

August 8, 2018

I have told Scarlet on several occasions that I don’t feel comfortable with Sierra being exposed like that around the employees. A naked toddler might make them feel awkward, plus…

Wife attracted to woman causes confusion
Dear Abby

Wife attracted to woman causes confusion

August 7, 2018

I haven’t told anyone, not even her. She has made several comments and advances toward me, but she frequently makes comments like, “I don’t swim in the lady pond.” The…

Man left jobless after surgery
Dear Abby

Man left jobless after surgery

August 6, 2018

When I called my employer, he said, “Sorry. No work,” and hung up on me! I am 64 years old and jobless. I haven’t written a resume in more than…

Step Parents’ Day gains popularity
Dear Abby

Step Parents’ Day gains popularity

August 5, 2018

The kids had regular visits with their father. The first Father’s Day after I married their mom, we arranged for them to spend the weekend with him. When they returned…

Hormones could explain mood swings
Dear Abby

Hormones could explain mood swings

August 4, 2018

My doctors figured out my problem was caused by a hormonal imbalance. Since the body makes many different types of hormones, the doctors needed to find out which of them…

Mom fearful as daughter leaves for school
Dear Abby

Mom fearful as daughter leaves for school

August 3, 2018

Rationally, I know she’ll be fine and can take care of herself, but I am terrified that something will happen to her and I won’t be there. My husband and…

Mom uses police to discipline child
Dear Abby

Mom uses police to discipline child

August 2, 2018

I was having lunch the other day with two other officers. Sitting across from us was a young mom whose child was throwing a temper tantrum. I overheard her say,…

Family torn apart by brother-in-law
Dear Abby

Family torn apart by brother-in-law

August 1, 2018

Although my sister said she intended to divorce him, she never did. She also didn’t report it – so he was never convicted of the crime – but we all,…

Infant plays favorites in day care
Dear Abby

Infant plays favorites in day care

July 31, 2018

One baby has become extremely attached to me, to the point that I can’t take a break or go to lunch without him screaming until I return. I feel guilty…

Wife’s travel spoiled by man
Dear Abby

Wife’s travel spoiled by man

July 30, 2018

My husband retired six years ago. His daily routine is visiting his mother (every day) in an assisted living facility. It is an expensive place, and they take great care…

Wife overlooks husband’s conspiracies
Dear Abby

Wife overlooks husband’s conspiracies

July 29, 2018

We have been married two years now, and I’m trying hard to reconcile the fact that I’m married to a conspiracy theorist who believes the world is flat. He’s convinced…

Teen-dad relationship gets uncomfortable
Dear Abby

Teen-dad relationship gets uncomfortable

July 28, 2018

Since I have finally forgiven him for all the pain he’s caused, I sometimes accept when he invites me out to eat or watch a movie. He doesn’t own a…

Friends add to woman’s grief
Dear Abby

Friends add to woman’s grief

July 27, 2018

A couple of years ago, my dad moved in with me so I could care for him. The early evening he passed away, there were many emergency vehicles. Shockingly, not…

Daughter cries over visiting parents
Dear Abby

Daughter cries over visiting parents

July 26, 2018

Their cleaning practices are questionable. They simply rinse plates and utensils after use, as opposed to using the dishwasher. Within an hour of arriving, the dust makes my allergies and…

Racy photo no longer laughing matter
Dear Abby

Racy photo no longer laughing matter

July 25, 2018

I sent it to my boyfriend because he doesn’t like her either, even though he thinks she has a “hot body.” I thought it would be a joke just between…

Man reconsiders life after friend’s death
Dear Abby

Man reconsiders life after friend’s death

July 24, 2018

I have a wonderful wife and amazing children. We are pretty active and have stressful jobs, so there is little time to be engaged, which leaves me feeling guilty about…

Family abuse should remain hidden
Dear Abby

Family abuse should remain hidden

July 23, 2018

I have cut all ties with my biological family, as I am happier and more sane without them. They have never shown remorse for their abuse, and I feel my…

Friend’s husband, kids unwanted on vacation
Dear Abby

Friend’s husband, kids unwanted on vacation

July 22, 2018

I have known Charlotte’s (now) husband for 16 years as well, and never cared for him. When they became engaged, none of our friends thought she would actually marry him.…

Woman unsure about forgiving friend
Dear Abby

Woman unsure about forgiving friend

July 21, 2018

She has now tried to contact me wanting to be friends again. While I do miss her friendship, she did not have the right to do what she did, and…

Video games threaten relationship
Dear Abby

Video games threaten relationship

July 20, 2018

I know he chats with a lot of people, both male and female, on these games. I suspect he has inappropriate conversations that he feels are harmless because he won’t…

Widow struggles to start dating
Dear Abby

Widow struggles to start dating

July 19, 2018

I have decided to start dating again. I want to meet someone and hopefully feel loved. I joined a dating website, but the men on it look disturbed and creepy.…