Life Advice
/Health
Young Woman Keeps Mom At Arm's Length On Social Media
DEAR ABBY: I'm the mom of an 18-year-old daughter, "Leia." We have always tried to keep the lines of communication open with our children, and we have what I think is a strong, positive familial bond.
My best friend recently informed me that Leia has an Instagram account that's publicly accessible. I can't find her account when I search, which ...Read more
Man Ready To Begin New Chapter Sans Longtime Wife
DEAR ABBY: I have been married for quite a long time, and I am seriously contemplating walking away from it. We no longer have anything in common. I'm active and hike, bike, play golf and lift weights. My wife is 100% sedentary and wants no part of any of these activities that could keep us both healthy. It has taken a toll on her to the point ...Read more
Relative's Spouse Is Unwelcome At Family Gatherings
DEAR ABBY: Many months ago, a family member's husband was charged with possession of and distributing more than 10,000 items of child pornography. The police and Department of Homeland Security raided their home and seized computers, cellphones and other devices. He was arrested and spent about a week in jail. He hired a very good attorney, and ...Read more
Comments Overheard Years Ago Still Echo In Wife's Ears
DEAR ABBY: I caught my husband talking on the phone to another woman. I heard him say, "Get some sleep, sweetheart," and "Thank you for being my companion." When I called him on it, he claimed nothing was happening and he had used the wrong words.
He admitted to whom he was talking, and I called her. She said she was just a friend and had no ...Read more
Grandmother Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind For Grandkids
DEAR ABBY: My 98-year-old mother has spent the last eight years in a nursing home. My siblings and I placed her there when her health declined to a point where it was no longer safe for her to live alone. Her mind is sharp, but she has a hard time getting around and caring for herself. She has made friends there and is loved by everyone who ...Read more
Spouse Eager To Put Foot Down About Shoes In Home
DEAR ABBY: My wife continually dirties the floors in our home because she refuses to stop wearing shoes in the house. She'll be out all day -- at work, running errands, etc. -- and then come home and keep her same shoes on. She has even done yard work and then come inside wearing those same shoes!
It's a family trait for her -- her mother does ...Read more
Boyfriend's Difficult Son Puts A Damper On Romance
DEAR ABBY: After a lonely post-divorce decade, I have found a loving man whom I'll call "Drew." We share many of the same interests and values, and are enjoying this second chance at love and romance. We spend time at each other's homes, and my grown kids like having him around.
The challenge is the erratic and angry behavior of his 27-year-old...Read more
Husband Chooses To Make Music With Another Woman
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I used to play in a band together. He played guitar, and I sang. He now has another female singer in his band, and I can hardly contain my feelings. In the beginning, he was invited into an existing band she was already in, and he accepted. But then, that band broke up and reformed, and he kept the girl in it. He knows ...Read more
Blowup With Sister Comes At Worst Possible Time
DEAR ABBY: My out-of-state sister is facing major, life-threatening surgery. Even though she isn't well, I asked to visit her a few days prior to a family reunion, and she agreed. While I was there, I noticed she was irritable and sharp-tongued, more so than she usually is. I let it go. However, on the morning of the reunion, as we were getting ...Read more
Wife's 'Adjustment' Behind Closed Doors Irks Husband
DEAR ABBY: Recently, my wife and I and several other couples were houseguests in a large home. Among them was a couple who, when introduced, mentioned that the husband was a chiropractor. The following day, as we were all watching TV, my wife mentioned having neck and arm discomfort. The chiropractor offered to adjust her neck and back and they ...Read more
Married Woman Tempted To Become A Mistress
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for 12 years. Things were good in the beginning. However, many times he has let me down by not helping with bills, stress, etc. He recently lost a job, which has added to my stress because we now have a child.
I have been communicating with an old work friend who makes me feel like we would be great...Read more
Niece Invites Only Young Cousins To Wedding
DEAR ABBY: My niece is getting married. We have received a wedding invitation, RSVP and all, but it's addressed only to my two 11-year-old identical twin daughters. My husband and I are not invited to the wedding or to the reception. There's been no communication as to how child care will be provided for both events.
Puzzled, I texted my niece ...Read more
Relationship Blossoms Amid Loss And Heartbreak
DEAR ABBY: My husband died a year ago, after a nine-year battle with dementia. I recently met a man, "Richard," whose wife is in the end stages of dementia, which could last for several months or for several years. We have fallen for each other and are a great fit.
We are keeping our relationship from his children since dealing with their ...Read more
Once-Supportive Husband Has Become A Bitter Roommate
DEAR ABBY: Seventeen years ago, I had a mental breakdown. For the first three years afterward, my husband stood by me. The medications I was prescribed caused me to gain more than 100 pounds. I have tried diets, to no avail. I suggested to him that maybe we could hold each other and see where it led us. His reply was, "I'm no longer attracted to...Read more
Wife's Revelations Prompt Man To Consider Divorce
DEAR ABBY: I have been married 27 years with two kids. My wife recently revealed to me that she was raped when she was 14 but said it wasn't violent. She also said she had several adult partners when she was 15 and 16. We had discussed our past prior to marriage, and these things weren't mentioned. If they had been, I wouldn't have married her. ...Read more
Guests Let Their Dirty Dog Sleep In The Bed
DEAR ABBY: I own a lake cabin and enjoy hosting friends and relatives. Even though I don't have a pet myself, I like animals and don't mind if people ask to bring their dogs, because the ground floor is linoleum that's easy to clean when the inevitable sand and water get tracked in.
Last year, I invited my niece and her husband to spend the ...Read more
Teen Keeps Bedroom Door Shut When Girlfriend Pays A Visit
DEAR ABBY: My 18-year-old stepdaughter has decided to date another female. She has dated boys in the past, but that's not the issue. We have nothing against the LGBTQ community. (My husband's brother is gay.) My issue is, should my stepdaughter spend time with her girlfriend in her bedroom with the door closed?
If this were a boy, my husband ...Read more
Things Don't Add Up In Yearlong Romance
DEAR ABBY: A year ago, I met a wonderful man on a cruise. We hit it off fabulously, and since we live 1,000 miles apart, we stay in touch primarily by phone -- talking and video chatting. He has come to visit me four times in the past year, and we have taken two trips together. He has met my friends and neighbors and has spoken to my family on ...Read more
Handyman's New Job Could Put Marriage At Risk
DEAR ABBY: My wife and I are both in our mid-50s. Due to a medical issue she has, we rarely have sex. I don't really think about it very often anymore. Meanwhile, I have a friend, "Edie." We have been friends for a good few years now. I met her in my side job as a handyman. She's in her 80s. My wife has met Edie and calls her my "girlfriend" in ...Read more
Misplaced Ring Leads To Misplaced Blame
DEAR ABBY: A longtime neighbor and friend has accused me of stealing a ring. I had been providing her with transportation to visit her husband while he was in rehab recovering from a broken leg. I also took her on other errands.
One day, she was upset. She told me she had lost a bunched-up handkerchief that held something important, but wouldn'...Read more