DEAR ABBY: I’m 13, and about six months ago my mom confiscated my iPod because I misbehaved. When it was time to get my iPod back, my mom couldn’t find it. We have been searching everywhere in the house for it — but it’s gone. My iPod is very important to me because almost every […]

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I returned to our hometown and bought a bungalow in a cute older neighborhood. The homes are close together, separated by a single driveway. Our neighbors on both sides of us are smokers. They smoke on their front porches and flick their smoldering butts onto the driveway and yard. The […]

DEAR ABBY: I am a teenage girl about to start looking for my first job. I have four facial piercings and I feel they may be detrimental to finding one. I have researched effective ways of hiding my choices in jewelry. My question is, during an interview, is it OK to ask about a company’s […]

DEAR ABBY: I am a 38-year-old woman with an outgoing personality. However, when I first meet a man, I move slowly. If I agree to a date, I meet him at a public place. After a few dates, I’ll share my e-mail address so we can communicate more easily. And, Abby, that’s when the trouble […]

DEAR ABBY: I am writing about the letter from “Socially Obligated in Pennsylvania” (Oct. 4), whose fiance, “Joe,” refuses invitations to events from her family. My niece married a well-educated man who is like Joe. They now live an isolated social life and participate in none of the normal family functions that are so important […]

DEAR ABBY: I am hosting Thanksgiving this year. I consider it a joy to bring family together to share traditions. However, two of the uncles insist on blaring sports games on our TV during these gatherings. Neither I nor my husband or parents are interested in sports. Usually there is money riding on these games, […]

DEAR ABBY: I’m a stay-at-home mom with a 10-year-old daughter. We live in a complex that houses about 250 people. I’m a naturally friendly person, but also very private. When the weather is warm, I love having my shades up and my windows open. My daughter enjoys the fresh air, so she’s out in the […]

DEAR ABBY: I am 13 and my boyfriend just moved to Colorado. He won’t be back home for three years, but I promised I’d wait for him. Now I feel like I’m being tied down. It’s not that I don’t want to be with him anymore, but I’m lonely with his being away. I don’t […]

DEAR ABBY: I’m a 33-year-old male who has finally found the love of my life. My girlfriend and I have been together for three years. Needless to say, an engagement is right around the corner. I have a sister who has struggled her entire life dating the wrong men. She’s beautiful inside and out. She […]

DEAR ABBY: “Surviving Son in California” (Sept. 20) sought your advice regarding proper protocol in mentioning all surviving relatives when parents had been divorced. You said, “After a couple divorces and one of them dies, the name of the former spouse is usually not mentioned in the obituary.” I think your response needs a little […]