DEAR ABBY: I’m writing in response to “Stuck for an Answer” (Oct. 9), whose wife found a box of letters written by her late mother to her father. She didn’t know whether to read or destroy them. If Mom had wanted the letters destroyed, she would have already done it. As a genealogist and historian, […]

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married two wonderful years. I was recently in a serious car accident and am currently unable to drive. The person who mainly drives me around is my husband, but sometimes friends and family take me to my appointments or to run errands. Recently my husband announced that […]

DEAR ABBY: My mother is my best friend, but I can’t stop yelling at her for invading my privacy. I have just learned that she has read all my journals since I was 9. She also figured out all my passwords to my e-mail, online blogs and social network accounts. I have lived away from […]

DEAR ABBY: I have two terrific children, ages 6 and 8. I am honest and open with them about everything. For their ages, they are well-informed about sex, drugs and alcohol. Some of my friends and neighbors have a problem with my children asking questions in front of them, and with me for giving them […]

DEAR ABBY: “Hayley” is one of the few good friends I have at college. We take a class together. It’s in a building across campus, so I drive. I always contact Hayley to see if she wants me to take her. (She typically does.) Because the class requires physical activity, we dress in appropriate clothing. […]

Word is out: Rudolph’s nose may be make-up DEAR ABBY: With the holidays here, songs about Santa and his reindeer are filling the air. I’m writing to talk about reindeer antlers. Reindeer are unique because they are the only members of the deer family in which both genders have antlers, which are made of bone […]

Battle over Christmas menu turns ugly DEAR ABBY: My wife and I are involved in a power struggle with my brother. At Christmas we invite him and his family to our home. We try to make our Christmas dinner fun and festive, so a lot of planning goes into the menu. Every year, a day […]

Elf’s helpful hints ease kids’ Santa visit DEAR ABBY: It’s that time of year again when parents take their kids to see Santa. As a professional Santa’s helper for many years, may I offer some suggestions? Let your children approach Santa on their own. Do not force your child to sit on Santa’s lap. Santa […]

Plans made now ease fear for elderly parents DEAR ABBY: “Afraid for the Future in San Antonio, Texas” (Oct. 25), expressed concerns about having to provide care for her aging parents and in-laws. While the sentiments you conveyed were true, your answer didn’t go far enough. ”Afraid’s” concerns are legitimate. While ill and elderly parents […]

Practical gifts win praise from older friends DEAR ABBY: With the holidays here, I know people are considering gifts for older friends and family members. My 83-year-old mother still lives in her own home. She doesn’t want more “stuff,” so every year we give her practical things we know she already uses on a daily […]