DEAR ABBY: I love my daughter-in-law and I am afraid she is harming herself because of her addiction to tanning. Her boys are in high school and cannot remember their mother without a really dark tan. One son told his classmates in grade school that his mother was African-American when they were doing African-American studies. […]

DEAR ABBY: “Holding on in Arkansas” (Feb. 27) asked where to go for free counseling. You suggested she call her local mental health department for counseling options for her marriage and money issues. Another resource would be her local church. Pastors often offer counseling to couples. Many churches also have support groups for parents to […]

DEAR ABBY: I met the most wonderful man on a dating site. We seemed to hit it off. In fact, we are falling in love with each other. But he isn’t ready for an exclusive relationship and still wants to date. He gets on the dating sites when I’m asleep in his bed. I really […]

DEAR ABBY: I’m a 32-year-old woman who is HIV-positive. My colleague — who is unaware of my status — recently introduced me to a relative of hers who is also lonely and looking for someone to settle down with. We “clicked” and seem to complement each other in every way, although we haven’t had any […]

DEAR ABBY: I married a great guy a short while ago. It’s the second marriage for both of us. He’s good to my kids, my parents, and even gets along with my ex-husband. ”Stan” moved into my home after we married. There’s only one major problem I’m having trouble dealing with: He goes through all […]

DEAR ABBY: I’m 16 and entering my junior year of high school. My boyfriend, “Jonah,” and I have been dating for almost a year and we would like to become sexually active, but I’m scared condoms won’t cut it. I have tried talking to my mom about it, but she doesn’t think I should go […]

DEAR ABBY: My spouse and I, after many long years of school, advanced degrees and work in the corporate world, are now retired. We are (we hope) financially secure. Both of us have siblings who were less successful for various reasons. What obligation do hardworking people have toward their less successful siblings, especially one who […]

DEAR ABBY: Our niece “Bonnie” has severe attachment problems. She still lives in her parents’ home and is well into her 50s. Her father passed away several years ago, and her mother seems to be her only friend. Bonnie has never had a serious relationship and has spent her life at one job and with […]

DEAR ABBY: I have been working hard to advance in my health care career so I can give my family a decent life. I have worked my way up from poverty, paying my own way, earning my degree through the military and sheer determination. I have reached a point where I would like to enjoy […]