DEAR ABBY: My brother has found love again. His first wife passed away from cancer two years ago. He is getting married in two months. We were never super close but have always been civil to each other and spent an hour or two with each other during holiday meals or birthdays. Our mother is … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I have been married for 11 years. Most of them were good. Two years ago, my husband started drinking again. It has caused a lot of problems, including a DUI, and my family won’t come around anymore. I’m feeling incredibly isolated. I recently met someone. He has become my best friend, and we … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I have a next-door neighbor who is retired and takes care of his wife, who has dementia. He’s a nice enough person, but he has no personal boundaries. He is intrusive and knocks on my door while I’m working two to three days per week. My work area is close to the door, … Read more
DEAR ABBY: A few years ago, my husband and I bought a home together with his sister. We share the bills and chores and, for the most part, it works. We live in a nicer home than we could afford on our own. Frequently, though, my husband and his sister have discussions and make decisions … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have recently found out that our 14-year-old granddaughter, a freshman in high school, is being encouraged to drink, or more accurately, “chug,” beer out of cans with her stepdad at parties and social gatherings he has been having at their house. Our son, the girl’s biological father, is very … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I’m engaged to a wonderful man. We are incredibly happy, and I cannot wait for our life together to begin. There’s just one problem — his best friend, “Joey.” Joey is wonderful to my fiancé and a nice person overall, but he’s a serial cheater. In the five years I’ve known him, Joey … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I’m the youngest of a family of three boys and two girls. The only person I had any connection with growing up was my sister “Sara.” We were both treated the same way by our mother. We were not wanted. And I always knew Sara was sad about something else. Our mother’s discipline … Read more
DEAR ABBY: While I love visiting my son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, I’m uncomfortable because their home is so untidy. I have offered many times to help with the laundry, dishes, picking up toys and even cleaning. They always say no. They say it’s their home and I’m not there to do chores. They know I … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I have been medically retired for three years. My husband, who has always been a stay-at-home dad, is now on Social Security and is home with me. He has a variety of interests and is healthy and able to get around more than I am. Earlier in our marriage, I had a cat, … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My brothers and I loved our father. He was an alcoholic until he was 37. After he stopped drinking, we became the best of friends. He was both mother and father to me, and I was so proud of him. Dad remarried 33 years later to a woman I can only describe as … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I’m a 60-year-old man. I have a close female friend who is 20 years younger. We see each other just about every day and call each other to talk about our day. We have supper together just about every night. The only thing we don’t have is a romance. I have strong feelings … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I’m a man younger than my age married to a woman who is older than hers. Ten years ago, we couldn’t get along, so we separated. While separated, I met a wonderful woman, “Cynthia.” We became friends with benefits and fell in love. A year later, my wife got cancer. Since her family … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I have been married to my husband for 10 years. We live in a house he already owned before I moved in with him. He wants to make renovations to the house to increase its value. He says the house will go to his four children (all adults) when he passes. My issue … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I have a friend I have known for a very long time. We bonded 10 years ago over common interests and mutual friends. Over the years, they have suffered from anxiety, depression, and OCD. In addition, they are also narcissistic, but it has never been a problem before. I have spent many a … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend passed away 15 months ago. I have been devastated ever since. He was my best friend, and I’m having a hard time letting go. He said he would love me even in death, and when he died, he took a large piece of my heart with him. I know I’m depressed. … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I am a 38-year-old woman with no kids, a loving partner and puppy. I run a business my dad originally built. I’m at a high point in my life despite the tragedy of losing my mom. I realize my friendships are important going forward in life. One woman I’ve known since childhood posts … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been separated for 15 years. Our two grown children are on the spectrum. For the past two years, our daughter has lived with her father because she wouldn’t agree to be part of the team at my home and abide by the basic rules: Pick up after yourself, … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I was in a relationship with my daughter’s father for 11 years. From the beginning, he lied, manipulated and cheated. My family was aware of it. When I finally had had enough and left, my family decided to maintain a relationship with him (dinners, parties, camping, holidays). He is not a good person. … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My 32-year-old son has an alcohol problem. He and his wife refuse to accept reality and continue to be social drinkers. My son deals with his problem by putting his head in the sand. He refuses to talk to us or answer any of our texts or calls. When he does decide to … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I’m 43, and I have been married and divorced three times. I have three adult children and a 13-year-old. My last divorce was final a few weeks ago. I was sure she was The One. Now she now wants to give us nine months and see if we are going to reconcile. I … Read more