DEAR ABBY: In response to “Resentful in Michigan” (Aug. 2), I think you missed the mark. Etiquette and social mores may dictate that it’s acceptable for a man to give his future daughter-in-law away, but “Resentful” was speaking from a place of pain that is valid. Her father didn’t walk her down the aisle because […]

DEAR ABBY: Now is the time of year your readers should get vaccinated against influenza to protect themselves and their loved ones throughout the 2010-11 flu season. This year, our nation has a new and very simple recommendation to keep our population safe: Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated! Doing it […]

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have a precious 2-year-old Boston terrier, “Bailey,” who is our life. We consider him our child and are heartbroken any time we must leave him alone. I am wondering if there is any way I could train Bailey to use a fire blanket in case of a fire if […]

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend recently started turning away when I try to kiss him. When I asked him why, he explained that he has developed into a “germaphobe.” In the beginning of our relationship we never had this problem. What is happening? — NEVER BEEN KISSED, LATELY DEAR NEVER: Your boyfriend may be embarrassed to […]

DEAR ABBY: I met a man here in Afghanistan. (We are both deployed.) Since that day we have been together. “Ben” knows that I love him very much. He is scheduled to leave in two months. I am scheduled to leave two months after that. Ben lives in Georgia, and I come from Texas. We […]

DEAR ABBY: As the mother of a child with special needs, my heart goes out to “Boiling Mad in New Jersey” (July 23). My daughter, “Kate,” is also stared at in public. I, too, used to bristle at the unwanted attention, until I began to open up and talk with people. I found most of […]

DEAR ABBY: I am a 20-year-old male who finds it awkward talking to women my age. I do OK approaching older women for conversation, but become tongue-tied with someone under 25. I would like to meet someone special and develop a relationship with her, but at this rate it’s not going to happen anytime soon. […]

DEAR ABBY: My mother passed away two years ago, and her first great-grandchild will be born in less than two months. I had hoped when I was still in my 30s to have a child of my own, so I had Mom crochet me a baby set — sweater, booties, cap and blanket. Sadly, motherhood […]

DEAR ABBY: My father just passed away. He was a pastor. He and Mom were married 40 years, but their relationship became very strained during the last 10. Counseling was unsuccessful and they divorced 15 years ago. Dad was hurt and humiliated by it. Mom felt she had to escape a marriage that was killing […]

DEAR ABBY: The most embarrassing thing happened to me at the chiropractor’s office. I typically see him before going to the gym, and change into my gym clothes in the waiting area bathroom. It’s easier for my doctor to treat me when I’m not in my office attire. After completing my workout, I realized that […]