DEAR ABBY: I’m going to a professional conference, which has the usual presentations, vendors and activities. Every time I go, there’s always a photographer. It’s annoying. When a photographer sneaks up to take photos, it distracts the presenter. Then the camera is usually swung around to shoot the audience. I have been photographed many times […]
Dear Abby
Dear Abby: Dad questioned after hosting son’s teammates
DEAR ABBY: My 13-year-old son plays on a local travel sports team. Many of his teammates could be considered lower class or lower middle class. We live in a luxurious home. We don’t flaunt it, and we’re not snobbish. All of the kids and the parents get along, and socioeconomic status plays no role in […]
Teen braces for blowback over becoming a vegetarian
DEAR ABBY: I am a 15-year-old girl who wants to become a vegetarian. I don’t exactly know why. I only know I want to stop eating meat and choose a healthier alternative lifestyle. I also want to lose weight, which may happen after becoming vegetarian. There’s been a lot going on in my life lately, […]
Hospital worker is stunned by stepfather’s appearance
DEAR ABBY: I saw something shocking, and I need help. While working at my job at a hospital, I saw the man my mother is married to. He was there for an appointment. He did not see me, and I didn’t have the courage to approach him because he was dressed as a woman. There […]
Dad’s long disappearances give family cause for alarm
DEAR ABBY: My father’s behavior has been very peculiar lately. He and Mom have been married for 45 years. Of course, all marriages go through ups and downs. They have had their share of health problems. Both are doing OK but are dealing with some medical issues. Because of my father’s actions, I’m afraid for […]
‘Ideal man’ refuses to free himself for second marriage
DEAR ABBY: I spent the past 11 years in an emotionally and physically abusive on-again, off-again relationship. I finally got out and am very proud of myself for doing it. I am now deeply in love with an amazing new man. He is everything I prayed for — the whole deal. There is only one […]
Friend takes offense at never being asked about her past
DEAR ABBY: Six months ago, I got back in touch with a childhood friend who married at 17 and moved away. She has lots of family drama, much of it caused by her alcoholism (which she says is a result of PTSD). Recently, she told me I have hurt her and I’m a terrible friend […]
Sisters puzzle over response to parents’ secret bankruptcy
DEAR ABBY: My sister and I recently found out (through the internet) that my mother and stepfather have filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. A few months ago, Mom approached my sister (who’s an attorney) asking about the effects of bankruptcy “for a friend.” My sister and I are now struggling with this information because my […]
Dear Abby: Daughter’s messiness bothers her father
DEAR ABBY: My 16-year-old daughter, “Katie,” leaves her nice clothes, wet towels and debris strewn around her room. She stays with me half the time, and her mother the other half. She’s involved in activities and Advanced Placement courses in school, so when she gets home, she studies or needs to sleep. I remind her […]
Woman doesn’t think friend will be able to support herself
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been best friends with “Mary” since we were 13. We’re 23 now. We tell each other everything and are as close as sisters. We went to high school together, but I graduated and Mary dropped out in senior year with the intention of finishing up later. She never did. She does want […]