DEAR ABBY: I am 39 and have been with my husband for 20 years. We got together when we were young, and our two kids are almost grown. Early in our relationship, he cheated on me several times. I was able to move past that for the most part. We have a solid relationship and … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are friendly with another couple, “Matt” and “Mara.” They have two young children, one of whom is autistic. We have five children, so we understand the daily challenges of parenting. My husband and Matt have been friends since preschool. I met Mara soon after she and Matt started dating. … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I am the mother of a beautiful 30-year-old son, “Caleb,” who’s married, employed and happy. We have a close relationship, and he thinks Mom and Dad (married 35 years) are awesome. He was also close to his “perfect” grandma, who died recently. He adored her, and she loved and spoiled him. What he … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My next-door neighbor, “Dee,” has a granddaughter, “Sarah.” A year ago, I was friendly with Sarah, but months later, she became disrespectful. She wouldn’t listen when I asked her not to ring my doorbell for no reason or tease my cats. I told Dee, and she said she would try to talk to … Read more
DEAR ABBY: A friend’s wife’s elderly biological father was killed in a one-car auto accident recently. She had been estranged from him for as long as I can remember (more than 30 years?) and told me over the years how much she hated him. She adored her stepfather, who died a few years back. My … Read more
DEAR ABBY: Our 24-year-old daughter, “Becca,” and her 26-year-old boyfriend, “Jason,” (the father of our 7-year-old granddaughter) recently bought a home. Jason works only part time — if he works at all — and has no interest in a full-time job. One issue, however, really weighs heavily on our minds. Whenever we pick up our … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I helped plan a 12-guy bachelor party in Boston. The best man’s initial email outlined the itinerary — two nights away and a Bruins game — and included a link to the Airbnb. Everyone RSVP’d with an enthusiastic “yes.” With headcounts locked, we booked the lodging and group-rate tickets. The total came to … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I have been married to my husband for many years. We are both over 60. About eight years ago, I was diagnosed with, had surgery for and rehabbed from a benign brain tumor. It left me with considerable facial paralysis that I had further surgery to repair — all in all, 10 facial … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My spouse passed away from pancreatic cancer more than two years ago. We were together for 13 years and stood by each other during good and bad times. I was recently contacted by my first love from 44 years ago. We’ve been emailing, and I’ve been feeling emotions about him like when we … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I’m a single male who’s happy with his life, with plenty of friends and family. My issue is what I endure during the holidays. Every year, I’m invited over to Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I look forward to seeing family that I only see once or twice a year. These get-togethers usually consist … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My twin sister and her husband are expecting their first child. I run a small business with my father. Although I work hard, neither of them seems to see or acknowledge my efforts. They consider me to be “sponging” off my father. They also disapprove of my relationship with my boyfriend because we … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I have three grown children and seven grandchildren. I have solid relationships with my oldest and youngest, their spouses and their children. My middle daughter, “Hope,” has always been distant. I’ve tried for years to build a relationship with her and her children. Hope has suffered from mental and physical illness most of … Read more
DEAR ABBY: A year ago, a supposed friend of mine asked to borrow some money. Her husband had left the country so he could renew his visa to come back and work. They have kids. The wife’s car was repossessed while he was gone, and she had no way to get to work. She borrowed … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My wife and I are the proud parents of a popular, beautiful, charming and usually well-meaning 16-year-old girl. However, some of her recent behavior is causing serious concern. “Lindsey” is part of her class’s “in” crowd. Still, she’s engaging and friendly to everyone, which is a value my wife and I have worked … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I’m 34 years old and have been diagnosed with schizoaffective bipolar disorder. I have been in treatment for years with a psychiatrist and a therapist, and I take my medication daily as instructed. I do not drink or use drugs. I am committed to my mental health to prove that people like me … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I went out to run errands, and when I returned home, I found a political sign in our front yard. It seems a candidate asked my husband for a pledge of support, and he agreed to place the sign in our front yard without consulting me. Because of my job, I have always … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My mom and my wonderful canine companion passed away within six months. My husband has battled addiction for years. I discovered the extent of it after I had two small children and was ending our marriage. He went to AA, sobered up and was wonderful for the next 10 years. During that time, … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I am a man in his 60s who lost his wife two years ago to a heart attack. I have fallen in love with my cousin, who is also in her 60s, divorced and a lawyer. Is it reasonable for me to ask her to go with me on dates? Can a man … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I am a man in my late 60s who hasn’t had a family birthday party since I was a child. My mother’s birthday is seven days from mine, so celebrations were always for her, and mine were sort of lost in the shuffle. This was never a problem for me when I was … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My fiance gets annoyed and calls it weird that I talk to my daughter every morning on my way to work and in the afternoon on my way home. She’s a wife and young mother of two, ages 1 and 4. I’m proud of how well she is doing. I work full time, … Read more