DEAR ABBY: Once I announced my engagement, my already thin, fit mother went on a diet and lost 20 pounds. My weight has always been an issue with her, and I can’t believe she would draw attention to it in this way. She called me a bridezilla because I told her I think she’s trying […]

DEAR ABBY: My husband’s brother split from his wife, “Charlotte,” five years ago and now works and lives in another country. The brothers are still quite close. His school-age daughters live nearby and are close to their cousins, our daughters. Charlotte’s latest boyfriend (they have been dating for 18 months) has started insisting on hanging […]

DEAR ABBY: I’m an avid video game player. My husband and I bond over playing games, reading and talking about them. In fact, in my spare time, I just earned a master’s degree in video game culture. The issue I have is people judge my hobby as “a waste of time” or comment that I […]

DEAR ABBY: I am a 17-year-old senior and have been dating the same boy for two years. A month ago, he told me he wanted to break up “because he needed some time to figure out what he wanted.” I was devastated but agreed. Two weeks later, he told me he was sorry and he […]

DEAR ABBY: My mom is a recovering alcoholic. Her alcoholism has caused emotional distress and damaged our relationship to the point that I am aloof and terse toward her. She’s six months sober now, receiving help and making an effort to repair the hurt and pain she has caused. But I’m struggling in moving forward. […]

DEAR ABBY: My son’s girlfriend confided to me that my son, age 35, is cross-dressing. I knew his life was in flux and that his appearance had changed, but it stunned me. He hasn’t mentioned anything, and she said he would be very upset if I knew. When I saw him the same day, I […]

DEAR ABBY: When I was 70, I started taking drama classes twice a week (I still do). My wife was against it and insisted that because none of our friends or relatives were doing it, neither should I. As a result, I suggested we live apart. I bought a small apartment and live alone. We […]

DEAR ABBY: My daughter is graduating from high school and will be starting college. It was always her plan to go to a school away from our small town, and I supported that decision. However, six months ago she started dating her first real boyfriend. His parents have offered to pay all expenses if the […]