Family cherishes patriarch who never learned to read DEAR ABBY: “J.J. in South Carolina” (July 12) is dating a man whom she suspects cannot read. My grandfather is illiterate, and he’s the smartest man I know. He and Grandma have successfully operated their own business for over 40 years. Papa can read and draw blueprints. […]

Parents wage tu-of-war over toddler’s car seat DEAR ABBY: My toddler and I were rear-ended a few days ago. Thankfully, neither of us was hurt. The other driver’s insurance is paying for the car repairs. They will also reimburse me for a new car seat if I buy one and submit the receipt. My husband, […]

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I have been married 23 years. Not once in all those 23 years have I ever received an apology from her. She spilled mustard on my shirt while she was reaching across a table. It was my fault for not handing her a napkin she was reaching for. While we […]

Girl finds nothing right about Mr. Wrong DEAR ABBY: I’m 19 and currently dating a guy I can’t stand. I don’t know what to do. He’s leaving next year and my friends tell me I should just bear with it until then. I don’t know if I can. He doesn’t respect my opinions, makes fun […]

Woman chooses cruel answer to unwanted cat DEAR ABBY: My brother-in-law, “Ray,” and his wife moved in with my husband’s parents for a few months until they could get back on their feet. They have two small boys and a cat, “Precious,” they have had since they were first married. They looked for an apartment […]

Wives find many ways to cool off hubby DEAR ABBY: At the age of 72, having had two spouses over the years, I need to put in my two cents regarding the letter from “Still Hot and Bothered in Georgia” (July 8). I have learned that some women won’t say “no!” to a husband’s amorous […]

Hurt caused by old flame still burns DEAR ABBY: When I started my freshman year of college, I was a loner. I had low self-esteem, the result of a disability I was born with. On the first day of school I noticed “Will,” who was also a freshman. I thought he was cute. He was […]

Mother-in-law keeps mum about name-calling DEAR ABBY: During the 10 years I have been with my husband, I have called my mother-in-law “Martha.” I have just learned that she has been harboring resentment about it because she hadn’t given me “permission” to call her by her first name. Apparently she would like me to call […]

Befriending former colleague may cause trouble DEAR ABBY: I live in a small city in the South, which means everyone knows everyone. A former co-worker, “Dina,” moved across the street from me. We’re friendly, but not too close. She and I taught at the same school. While Dina doesn’t always do things in a way […]

DEAR ABBY: I would like to make the public aware of something that is the result of the poor economy. When someone who is hurting financially is invited out to a restaurant, bar, movie, etc., and the person declines your invitation, please don’t take it personally. He or she may be watching every penny. Every […]