DEAR ABBY: My husband, “Roger” — 64 and retired — has a crush on a 25-year-old woman who lives in our small community and who runs a dress shop I frequent. Roger is usually quiet and reserved, but when he sees “Patti,” he utters loud cries and runs to her side. He examines every detail […]

DEAR ABBY: I have been married for 12 years to a man who is an excellent provider, but not a loving husband. He works out of town every week and comes home on weekends. When he’s away he ignores my phone calls and won’t answer any texts. If I do get him on the phone, […]

DEAR ABBY: I’ve been dating “Amanda” for eight months and everything is going great. I’ve met her parents, and she has met mine.  Two days ago, I mentioned that we should plan a dinner with both sets of parents since they have not met yet. Amanda told me that our parents shouldn’t meet until we […]

DEAR ABBY: I’m a career woman, working for a family-owned business. Last year was difficult because there have been a number of layoffs and no raises. When I had my annual review, I received an outstanding evaluation but was again told no raise would be forthcoming because business is slow.  I could understand this because […]

DEAR ABBY: I’m writing to encourage “Wants to Do Right by Mama” (Jan. 25) to honor her mother’s final wishes regarding her burial attire and the position of her body. Several years ago, I sat down with my parents and we talked about their wishes for when they die. We discussed everything from the distribution […]

DEAR ABBY: I am newly single after a 30-year marriage. Would you please explain to me the protocol regarding intimacy? After how many dates is it appropriate to engage in intimacy? And afterward, should the man call the woman or the woman call the man? How long should one wait before calling? I’m afraid if […]

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, “Paul,” and I have been dating for four years. He has recently started talking about purchasing an engagement ring for me. Paul is well-off, although very frugal, which is how he accumulated most of his wealth. Paul has been searching online sites for a used ring. He says he “doesn’t want […]

DEAR ABBY: Last night, I attended an elegant dinner party at the home of a friend. She served a delicious meal on a table set with crystal, bone china, silver and a low centerpiece of fresh flowers. Everything was perfection — with one exception. As soon as we were seated, our hostess’s elderly Aunt “Ethel” […]

DEAR ABBY: “Oscar” and I have been married for three years. We have had many ups and downs and a few near-separations, but we’re now on a better path and working hard on our relationship. Because my friends have seen the rocky times Oscar and I have been through, they are not as nice to […]

DEAR ABBY: I’m a junior in high school, and a girl I was acquainted with was killed in a car crash. The accident was the result of bad road conditions, and she wasn’t wearing her seatbelt. The driver of the car survived. Because this girl had a reputation for being a troublemaker — skipping classes, […]