DEAR ABBY: Several months after I had my first daughter from a six-year relationship that ended sadly, I started flirting with a married man. (I realize now that I was still heartbroken and trying desperately to forget my ex.) The flirtation turned into a full-blown affair that resulted in another child. Her father isn’t in […]

DEAR ABBY: May I comment on the letter from “Open-Minded in Pennsylvania” (3/6), the adoptive mother of a biracial child who asked for a witty comeback for strangers’ comments/questions? This is a rare teaching moment! If a parent reacts with the slightest hint of displeasure, the child will think the parent is displeased with her/him. […]

DEAR ABBY: In recent conversations with my daughter, who is away in college, she opened up to me that she is hooking up. She introduced herself to this guy two weeks ago, and she’s already having sex with him. I tried to caution her about the dangers of such relationships and how harmful they can […]

DEAR ABBY: I just realized I’m six weeks pregnant. I have always wanted to start a family and raise children with my fiance, but I have a big problem. I am an alcoholic and have been struggling with this issue for a few years. I don’t know the effect this could have on my baby, […]

DEAR ABBY: I am responding to “Tired of Talking to Myself” (Feb. 13), whose husband’s ears slam shut when she begins to speak. This is not a problem that’s exclusive to men. Women do it as well. As a retired PA (physician’s assistant), when talking with patients, I would refer to it as selective hearing […]

DEAR ABBY: My daughter, “Meg,” was sexually abused at the age of 3 by her father 25 years ago. “Emile” and I were divorced, but he had every other weekend visitation. After returning from one visit, she said, “Daddy put his finger in there. It hurt. I cried.” Her words forever changed my life. After […]

DEAR ABBY: I have been married to the same man for 20 years. He likes having people around ALL the time, and because he is a minister, we often can’t avoid it. I have tried to accommodate his friends and hangers-on, but lately it’s becoming unbearable. He will say “yes” to people who have been […]

DEAR ABBY: I am almost 13 and I’m struggling with a lot of different things. I was adopted when I was a baby, so I never lived with my birth mother. That’s probably a good thing, but I am having angry feelings toward her that I wish I wouldn’t have. Those feelings are also being […]

DEAR ABBY: My husband of 28 years had a bone marrow transplant, and six months ago he learned who his donor was. He now wants to meet up with the person. Turns out, it was a woman. I’m not usually a jealous person, but it’s all he ever talks about every single minute of the […]

DEAR ABBY: We have enjoyed an international dinner club with three other couples for many years. Besides an international theme, we occasionally have other theme dinners. The host couple chooses the country and is responsible for the main course. Another couple brings an associated entree, the third couple brings dessert and the fourth couple provides […]