Dear Abby
Smokers urged to quit after loss
Dad had been a smoker since his teens and died from pancreatic cancer at 39. I was 13, and my siblings were younger. In those days, we didn’t know that…
Dear Abby
Dear Abby
Age gap complicates teen crush
I’m friends with Jake’s sister “Julie,” who’s a year older than me and a senior. Julie has made it clear she doesn’t like the idea of a romantic relationship between…
Dear Abby
Sister upset after missed funeral
Out of embarrassment, I compounded the mistake by not contacting Tom’s sister when I returned two days later and realized I had missed everything. When I finally spoke with her,…
Dear Abby
Woman can’t deal with baldness
Our romance began 20 years ago when he still had hair. It fell out two years ago. I still have feelings for him, but I don’t know how to get…
Dear Abby
Mom unsure about role as parent
Last year my daughter had an “I’ll show you mine, you show me yours” incident with a friend at school, and my ex and I decided they shouldn’t hang out…
Dear Abby
Man gets inspired from readers
He could foster a child and enlighten that child about a world he/she might never know. Wouldn’t it spark something inside him to see a child’s reactions to things the…
Dear Abby
Pregnant woman feels nauseated
My husband stepped in briefly when his father kept making me spinach quiche. After one slice I got sick. My father-in-law kept bringing more quiche over until my husband told…
Dear Abby
Husband gripes about housework
Twelve years after moving into our home, I finally insisted that it be repainted on the inside. My husband griped about it nonstop. I told him he didn’t have to…
Dear Abby
Teen uses food to hide depression
I buy her most of her clothing, and she’s now so large she can’t fit into most of the trendy stores’ plus-sizes. Another family member recently called her fat, which,…
Dear Abby
Girl unsure about online dating
The thing is, I’m not sure if he’s telling me the truth. We live in different countries, and for all I know, he could have a girlfriend and be messing…
Dear Abby
Wife struggles to communicate
In my parents’ marriage, all family communications fell to my mom. It was her job to send the Christmas cards, birthday gifts for nieces and nephews and to remember her…
Dear Abby
New engagement ends in divorce
At first I was wowed; then I grew homesick for my family, my job and my friends. My husband was not supportive of my emotional needs. Three years later, my…
Dear Abby
Mother angry with runaway dad
Recently, I spotted him advertising himself on a dating website as a loving man and describing how he loves his first daughter with no mention of ours (he has two…
Dear Abby
In-law disapproves of husband
Eileen and Harry live beyond their means. They rent a large house and buy luxury cars rather than something more economical. These are my observations; I never mention them to…
Dear Abby
Woman misjudged for career
My problem is my family. Most of them are convinced that I hate men or I wish I was one. The rest are sure that I will emasculate anyone I…
Dear Abby
Sister is not amused by family joke
Abby, she is dependent on the family. If I refuse to help her, my family tells me I’m selfish or calls me a rude word. They joke that she’s going…
Dear Abby
Son left out of mom’s gift giving
In earlier years, I thought it was an oversight. I tried gentle reminders and hints, but she never bought a gift for her son. It would be different if she…
Dear Abby
Mom unsure of girl’s ‘boyfriends’
Over the last two or three years, she has come home every few weeks or months with a new boy she likes. I never say much except that she’s not…
Dear Abby
Man considers having an affair
I recently met a lady my age who is in the same predicament. She has a sexual appetite and her husband does not. She hinted she would be interested in…
Dear Abby
Dad worries about apathetic teen
Both of my daughters are failing miserably in school, but I am most concerned about my younger daughter. She is 13 and is rebelling badly. I recently spoke with the…
Dear Abby
Boyfriend does not want child
DEAR SUFFERING: A reason that occurs to me would be that you do not want your little boy to grow up as an only child. However, your boyfriend may prefer…
Dear Abby
‘Rotten Ron’ odor too strong
The problem is, after all that activity in the heat and humidity, he doesn’t bother to shower. He’ll just change his clothes into whatever he wears for the nighttime. I…
Dear Abby
Mother worried about son’s diabetes
I have explained these things to my mother and attempted to train her several times, yet she continues to do things she shouldn’t be doing. She stops by my house…
Dear Abby
Wife resents husband of 48 years
I have written three books, and because of it, my husband has ridiculed me. I have also owned and operated two businesses. I’m active in the community, which he resents.…
Dear Abby
Hoarder risks mother’s health
It’s terrible. The garbage has reached the ceiling in parts of the room. This has been going on for many years. Two years ago, I filled up two large garbage…
Dear Abby
Girlfriend not OK with bachelor party
I’m worried about him and his friends going to strip clubs, topless pool parties, etc. I don’t mind him enjoying a trip and going out with the boys, but I…
Dear Abby
Phone call ruins hanky-panky
I told her not to answer, but when our married daughter’s name was caller-ID-announced, she said she had to take the call because they had been playing phone tag all…
Dear Abby
Mom wonders how often to write
I had read on a Marine family site that frequent letters from home are encouraged, so I had letters written even before I got his mailing address. I sent off…
Dear Abby
Mom wants children’s griping to end
I’m an old lady, and I don’t need this stress. I love all my children. They all are successful people with friends who seem to admire them. I suspect there…
Dear Abby
Divorcing mom’s kids in awkward spot
My wife moved to a rental house. Now she imposes him on our children at the rental and brings him to their sporting events, though it makes the children and…