DEAR ABBY: I met a man from another country through the internet last year. In the beginning, we talked every day via video chat. We share much in common. We never have a problem keeping our conversations going, and we pick up on each other’s emotions and needs without even trying. Our communication is less […]
Dear Abby
Long wait for boyfriend becomes bitter over time
DEAR ABBY: I admire your wit and appreciate your candor, which is why I’m writing to you. I’ve been dating a man for 4 1/2 years. He’s 56; I’m 60. I hope for a life with him, marriage, a place of our own, etc. The only obstacle is his obligation to look after his aging […]
Parents of teen angered when neighbor calls 911
DEAR ABBY: My next-door neighbors, whom I have become close with, have three adult children. My friends admit it’s always been important for them to be their children’s friends and be the “popular” parents, enforcing no discipline/guidance ever in their children’s lives, still to this day. The 19-year-old daughter has drug and alcohol problems and […]
Sister opts for silence after request is denied
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been pet owners for 30 years. Our last beloved dog passed away six months ago. We are in our late 50s and still work full time. We agreed we would not get any more animals because we would like to travel without worry for a change. My sister […]
Disagreement with father progresses to estrangement
DEAR ABBY: After several years of worsening arguments, I told my father I was tired of fighting with him, and we needed family counseling. He was deeply, explosively offended and not only refused to talk about counseling, but also ceased all contact with me. He called my siblings and told them I was disowned and […]
Secrets still held as union approaches end
DEAR ABBY: After many years of trying to keep our family together, divorce is our final option. My husband has had two affairs that I know of during our 30-year marriage. They hurt me deeply. We’ve had lots of counseling, but we can’t get past the damage and breakdown in communication. Should I tell our […]
Widow thinks invitation to livestream wedding is rude
DEAR ABBY: The daughter of a friend is getting married and sent an email announcement with a link to watch a livestream of the ceremony. I have never been invited to NOT attend an event before, and frankly, my feelings are hurt. (My husband was an incredible artist. Should I send a livestream of others […]
Daughter’s boyfriend is in no hurry to grow up
DEAR ABBY: My wife and I have a daughter, “Liz,” who is our life. She’s 28 and a nurse. Her boyfriend, “Owen,” used to be a heavy cannabis user. My wife suspects he still uses it when he gets “stressed.” He is also a gambler. We have tried to give Owen a chance. He had […]
Husband has long endured insults from wife
DEAR ABBY: I’m a 50-year-old man, married for 17 years with two kids. I have a mostly good marriage, but I have been noticing things that bother me. Almost daily, my wife seems to insult me or make a sarcastic comment. I work long hours because of the nature of my job, which my wife […]
Reverberations continue after falling out at work
DEAR ABBY: I worked for 11 years in the accounting department of a busy law firm. During my tenure, my three much younger colleagues married and started families. Due to the inevitable trials of raising kids, planned, unplanned and often simultaneous absences became commonplace, which left me to run the department alone. During my last […]