ArcaMax

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have recently found out that our 14-year-old granddaughter, a freshman in high school, is being encouraged to drink, or more accurately, "chug," beer out of cans with her stepdad at parties and social gatherings he has been having at their house.

Our son, the girl's biological father, is very concerned about this ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm engaged to a wonderful man. We are incredibly happy, and I cannot wait for our life together to begin. There's just one problem -- his best friend, "Joey." Joey is wonderful to my fiance and a nice person overall, but he's a serial cheater.

In the five years I've known him, Joey has dated and cheated on multiple women, some of ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm the youngest of a family of three boys and two girls. The only person I had any connection with growing up was my sister "Sara." We were both treated the same way by our mother. We were not wanted. And I always knew Sara was sad about something else.

Our mother's discipline took the form of when something happened, she'd line us ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: While I love visiting my son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, I'm uncomfortable because their home is so untidy. I have offered many times to help with the laundry, dishes, picking up toys and even cleaning. They always say no. They say it's their home and I'm not there to do chores.

They know I enjoy cleaning and organizing and ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have been medically retired for three years. My husband, who has always been a stay-at-home dad, is now on Social Security and is home with me. He has a variety of interests and is healthy and able to get around more than I am.

Earlier in our marriage, I had a cat, "Miss Kitty," who was my companion and whom I adored. She would ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My brothers and I loved our father. He was an alcoholic until he was 37. After he stopped drinking, we became the best of friends. He was both mother and father to me, and I was so proud of him.

Dad remarried 33 years later to a woman I can only describe as diabolical. At first, "Selma" was full of compliments and smiles toward us. ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm a 60-year-old man. I have a close female friend who is 20 years younger. We see each other just about every day and call each other to talk about our day. We have supper together just about every night. The only thing we don't have is a romance. I have strong feelings for her and want to tell her how I feel, but I'm worried that ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm a man younger than my age married to a woman who is older than hers. Ten years ago, we couldn't get along, so we separated. While separated, I met a wonderful woman, "Cynthia." We became friends with benefits and fell in love.

A year later, my wife got cancer. Since her family lived out of state and had lives of their own, I ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have been married to my husband for 10 years. We live in a house he already owned before I moved in with him. He wants to make renovations to the house to increase its value. He says the house will go to his four children (all adults) when he passes.

My issue is, he's asking me to pay for half of the renovations. To date, I have ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have a friend I have known for a very long time. We bonded 10 years ago over common interests and mutual friends. Over the years, they have suffered from anxiety, depression and OCD. In addition, they are also narcissistic, but it had never been a problem before.

I have spent many a day and night on the phone with them for hours, ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am a 38-year-old woman with no kids, a loving partner and puppy. I run a business my dad originally built. I'm at a high point in my life despite the tragedy of losing my mom. I realize my friendships are important going forward in life.

One woman I've known since childhood posts harsh, opinionated political things on her social ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been separated for 15 years. Our two grown children are on the spectrum. For the past two years, our daughter has lived with her father because she wouldn't agree to be part of the team at my home and abide by the basic rules: Pick up after yourself, take your animal out, flush the toilet, etc.

Now Dad has a ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My partner recently allowed a friend to stay in our home without telling me in advance. My partner knows unannounced guests deeply affect my mental well-being and sense of safety. We had agreed I would be given at least two weeks' notice for any visitors. That did not happen because the guest was going through a difficult time.

While...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My 32-year-old son has an alcohol problem. He and his wife refuse to accept reality and continue to be social drinkers. My son deals with his problem by putting his head in the sand. He refuses to talk to us or answer any of our texts or calls.

When he does decide to join us for a holiday or other occasion, my son acts like nothing ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm 43, and I have been married and divorced three times. I have three adult children and a 13-year-old. My last divorce was final a few weeks ago. I was sure she was The One. Now she now wants to give us nine months and see if we are going to reconcile.

I am confused. Years ago, before I married the first time, I thought I was ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I have been together for a few months, and we're great together. We have a mutual friend who is married and, in the past, showed interest in my boyfriend. She has asked him not to show me the texts she sends him. We are both concerned about her and her husband, as they are going through marriage counseling.

I have ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I have been together for many years and have raised wonderful children. We have close friends, a beautiful home and, thankfully, our health. She's my best friend, and the light and love of my life. We are, and have always been, happy together.

However, my wife is also a narcissist from a long line of narcissists. There's ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My mother and stepfather, "Pop," divorced a few years ago. He was the only father figure in my life and was good to me, so I want to maintain a relationship with him. What happened between them is a "he said, she said" situation. I don't know where the truth lies, and I have tried hard not to take sides.

Last year, Pop and his new ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am a 59-year-old divorced woman living with my 54-year-old boyfriend. We have lived together for seven months. He purchased the home we live in. Since we have lived here, I have made all the house payments. I also pay for the internet, utilities and all the groceries. We have four cats and five dogs between us. I feel like I'm ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: There's a girl I really like, "Torie," who has a certain enthusiasm for me that few, if any people, have had. I have taken her seriously, but she works in a store where there's a drag queen who makes herself look so much like a female that I find it disturbing. She often wears revealing clothing. As much as I like Torie, I do my best ...Read more