DEAR ABBY: We were recorded on video and audio on our daughter’s porch, thinking we were talking to each other privately. We were discussing how hurt we were that she didn’t want to spend time with us on our 50th wedding anniversary, shortly after she and her husband moved out of state. They could easily […]
Dear Abby
Second marriage deteriorates as reality becomes clearer
DEAR ABBY: I’m 58 and five years into my second marriage. We lived together a little over a year before getting married. I spent seven years as a caregiver for my parents before marrying my current husband. We moved to Kentucky from Florida because his mom needed us close, but since the move, he has […]
Ex-wife still using ‘kids’ to hurt their father
DEAR ABBY: My daughter was living in my garage apartment but then got married and moved away. Her sister is in law school in another state, and her brother is even farther away in graduate school. I moved close enough to see them when they come to visit their hometown and their mother. My ex-wife […]
Grandmother thinks toddler should be more responsible
DEAR ABBY: I have a 16-month-old who has recently learned to walk. My mom was watching him one day a week while I worked part-time, but she ultimately decided it was too much stress on her back and said she could no longer lift him. Lately, she has been telling me I need to “train” […]
Daughter turns 18 and sets off down an alarming path
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I finally got custody of his daughter “Amelia” 15 days before her 16th birthday. She came to us with home-schooling and little socialization. Now she’s 18, and we’ve gotten her on track to graduate, but she has completely changed. She plans to move in with her boyfriend and is skipping […]
Harsh words intensify spat involving in-laws
DEAR ABBY: My daughter-in-law is very opinionated. At times, we get along. But, in the past, she has upset me by accusing me of not doing the right thing. She and my son have two young children together and full custody of his son from another mother. I complimented my grandson on looking after his […]
Expectant mom wants her sex offender father out of the picture
DEAR ABBY: My dad is a registered sex offender who has done time for his crimes against children. My mother has continued to have contact with him and has repeatedly chosen him over her own children. She doesn’t respect our wishes, and we believe she gives him information about our lives and our images. With […]
Woman about to share news of her surprise pregnancy
DEAR ABBY: My partner and I have been together more than five years now. He has two adult children. I learned two days ago that I am pregnant. At 43 years old, I didn’t think a child was in my future. But now that I’m pregnant, I couldn’t be happier. I’m cautiously excited because I […]
Grown godchildren no longer communicate as often
DEAR ABBY: My godchildren and I were always very close. They consider me literally their second mom. Until now, we were blessed with great communication. The oldest always sent me a warm Mother’s Day greeting and called me often. About a year ago, she started ignoring all of my overtures. Her younger sister, who is […]
Woman doesn’t want to pay unemployed sister’s rent
DEAR ABBY: At 63, I am the youngest sister of four siblings. We grew up in the turmoil of Dad’s alcoholism and hoarding, as well as physical and emotional abuse from both our parents. One of my sisters, “June,” was sexually assaulted by my brother. She’s 71 now and hasn’t worked since she was in […]