DEAR ABBY: I had to respond to the letter from “Discordant Family” (Sept. 1). I agree with you that the children should not be forced to play piano. However, let me offer an alternative. Many young pianists quit because practicing is such a solitary chore. I’d recommend finding the kids a community music program they […]

DEAR ABBY: I’m a 15-year-old girl who has never been in trouble, but my mom treats me like I’m a criminal. She makes me go to church every Sunday. She makes me go to Catholic school, and I have to wear an ugly uniform. She won’t help with my homework. She says, “I already did […]

DEAR ABBY: When my family and I visit relatives out of state, we usually spend half the week with one of my cousins and the rest with another. One cousin, “Deborah,” has a drinking problem. Not only is it painful to watch her drink, but I noticed that her husband will hardly look at her […]

DEAR ABBY: I was recently invited to a second cousin’s wedding shower and wedding. To be honest with you, if I saw the bride-to-be on the street, I wouldn’t recognize her. Although I won’t be going to her shower, I am sending a shower gift. I plan on attending the wedding because I don’t see […]

DEAR ABBY: I relocated to a new area a year ago and, after several hair color disasters, finally found a great stylist/colorist, “Raphael.” The problem is, he constantly hits on me even though he’s married. He emails and calls me frequently. I told him I’d be willing to see him after hours only if his […]

DEAR ABBY: My younger sister is getting married next month and has requested that no kids be brought to the reception. My “kids” are teenagers and I feel that at least children of the immediate family should be allowed to attend. Incidentally, Sis and her fiance have a little girl and boy who will serve […]

DEAR ABBY: My 87-year-old mother recently discovered that the mausoleum site she had reserved for herself next to my father’s grave — and paid for when he died — was occupied by my uncle’s ashes and headstone. Mom had moved away 20 years ago and had not visited the cemetery in all that time. My […]

DEAR ABBY: Years ago, I placed my daughter for adoption. The circumstances that led me to make the decision were compelling. After 18 years, I was surprised and elated to hear from her. She’s 23, has a child of her own and is engaged to be married. I tried to maintain communication, but she stopped […]

DEAR ABBY: My husband recently asked how I would feel about him buying a plane ticket for his brother “Jake” to visit us and his parents over the holidays. I told him I wouldn’t like it — not because my husband would be paying for the ticket, but because Jake is a registered sex offender. […]

DEAR ABBY: I read with interest your excellent advice to “Nowhere and Everywhere” (Aug. 17), who asked about letting family members know about her polyamorous relationship. As a counselor, nurse and consulting hypnotist in private practice, I counsel people every day in developing healthy, happy, open relationships. Polyamory and other forms of non-monogamous relationships are […]