DEAR ABBY: I have some advice for your readers who write regarding problems with how others behave badly or are verbally abusive or inappropriate toward them. Hopefully, it will help someone. I suggest recording video of the offending individual while it’s happening, and then showing them the video later when they are calm/sober/receptive. If the […]
Dear Abby
Health diagnosis fills wife’s head with doubts
DEAR ABBY: I have recently been diagnosed with a chronic illness. I am only 40, and I always took for granted that I had plenty of life left to live. I’m happily married, but I worry because my husband, “Al,” has become my caretaker. I feel terrible about it. My condition is very limiting. I’m […]
Marriage to angry, abusive drunk has become prison
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been married to my husband for almost 43 years. We haven’t had sex in more than 10 years. He is a nasty drunk, which has grown worse. He is emotionally abusive and calls me lazy and fat. He hurt his right shoulder three years ago and refused to seek medical attention for […]
Husband does nothing at home but pay the bills
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been with my husband, “Harry,” for 10 years, married for four, and already I’d like a divorce. We have two small children. I’m a stay-at-home mom while he works and pays the bills. The problem is, he feels that because he works, he doesn’t have to do anything else. He doesn’t help […]
Young adult weighs difficult decision
DEAR ABBY: I’m 24 and not where I want to be in life. I have goals and dreams I would like to accomplish. However, my family is super family-oriented. I work for my dad in a family business. He always talks business with me. I do not want to go into the family business. I […]
Holidays become less fun with the In-laws around
DEAR ABBY: My daughter’s in-laws have no place to go on holidays. They have two children, but haven’t spoken to one of them in several years, so my son-in-law is their only family close by. I enjoy entertaining and having family over, but I really don’t care for their company. It’s a different vibe when […]
Family wants friendship with gay man to end
DEAR ABBY: I live in a rural community in southern Indiana. It’s an “everyone goes to church on Sunday, and everyone knows everyone” kind of place. I was employed at the local health care center here for almost four years before quitting to become a full-time caregiver and homemaker. During my time at the health […]
Family’s ‘black sheep’ is on its own again
DEAR ABBY: I have been having a hard time dealing with my family. We have never been close. My mother played favorites and never showed me any affection. My siblings followed suit, and I always felt like an outsider. My father was wonderful and loved me very much, for which I am forever grateful. Both […]
Wedding plans hit snag over tipsy relatives
DEAR ABBY: My nephew is getting married soon, and he and his father are having issues with the guest list. My brother-in-law has a few immediate family members who don’t know their limit when it comes to alcohol, and my nephew is worried that if they’re invited, they’ll abuse the open bar and embarrass the […]
Relationship crumbles after weekend apart
DEAR ABBY: I met a great woman, and we have been dating for a year and a half. We talk and message every day, we have our inside jokes, and her parents love me. My mother loves her, and the sex is great. I had never felt more connected to someone, and we have spoken […]