DEAR ABBY: A former boyfriend, “Ray,” is an alcoholic. He has been through rehab twice, but it didn’t do any good. He won’t stop. He keeps saying we’ll work it out. I don’t understand why Ray can’t get it through his head that I no longer want to be with him. I gave him two … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for decades. My husband, who has always been very overweight, has made many promises to remedy it with no follow-through. He continues to overeat and avoid physical activity, while constantly complaining about aches, pains and fatigue. Frequently, when we go out, he wolfs down his food, … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My daughter “Kate” is 22 and just recently graduated from college. She has been dating her boyfriend for five years. I love this young man like he was my own. The problem is, I just found out Kate has been seeing someone on the side. He is her boss, and he’s 54 years … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, “Roy,” is a quiet person. His ex-girlfriend put him and his family through something so terrible that he shuts down and pulls away from me a lot. He won’t introduce me to his mother, although I have met his son. We’ve been together almost 18 months. Five months ago, Roy stopped … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been married to the same man for nearly 50 years. We raised a sweet family, had successful careers, and never strayed from each other. For the last 20-plus years, I’ve had little or no desire for sex. I understand it medically as well as emotionally, but Hubby doesn’t get it at all. … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I moved across the country nine years ago to be closer to my parents as they age. They are now in their early to mid-80s. My mother has recently had a few falls. One was bad enough that she had to be taken by ambulance to the ER because she was not able … Read more
DEAR ABBY: Eighteen months ago, I was staying with my son and his family when they had a get-together with his wife, “Corrine’s,” father. His wife, Corrine’s stepmother, had just finished chemo for several different types of cancer. When Corrine’s dad went to leave, I offered to put together a small plate for his wife, … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I work in an office with a man who has expressed an interest in me in various subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways, including winks. I have also caught him staring at me with intense longing. We communicate well, and he has told me I have influenced him. We are both disciplined, determined and accomplished … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My son took out a couple of education loans, which I cosigned when he was starting college 10 years ago. A couple of years ago, I found out (from someone else) that he never finished college. When I confronted him, he mentioned that he “intends” to finish college and is working toward it. … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I am reaching out as a single mother grappling with a serious heart-lung condition. My son’s father abandoned us when I was pregnant, and I haven’t heard from him in more than a decade. Thankfully, my parents have been supportive co-parents during the years when my health made things incredibly challenging. I have … Read more
DEAR ABBY: Yesterday, my wife and I went out to the cemetery to lay some flowers for her brother and father, who passed away many years ago. After we were finished and on our way out, I stopped for a few minutes to check on my first wife’s crypt before returning to the car. When … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I have been married more than 20 years to my best friend. She’s the love of my life. We have been through a lot together and have been in couples counseling for eight months. We almost divorced last year because of an emotional affair I had seven years ago. (She had a similar … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I have always looked inside a person before casting judgment. It has been six years that I’ve been close friends with my neighbor “Tim.” I have always regarded him as a Kramer from “Seinfeld.” I have OCD. I am a clean freak. I work hard to support myself and my kids. Tim is … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I just concluded a five-day visit hosting some young relatives. Both are adults in their early 30s. They have full-time jobs and make decent money, although they spend it as fast as they get it. My concern is their pot smoking. Recreational marijuana is legal here as well as where they live. During … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I’m a senior male who has been married and divorced twice. For the last eight years, I have been in a relationship with an amazing woman. She has always had some control issues, but because of the love we share, I was able to look past them. I’ve always been the one who … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I am a disabled person. When I go to doctors’ offices or restaurants, there are usually two doors to get in. Sometimes, if someone is coming in or out, they will hold the door open for me. However, when they do, almost every time, another person will push past me, almost knocking me … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I supervise a group of six mid-level professionals. Usually, we manage fine, but a current conflict may push me over the edge. “Lauren” lives alone with dogs that seem to be her only family. One of them (age 11) had been sick. She kept asking for sick leave to take him to the … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I am having a baby in five months. My doctor is recommending that anyone who visits the baby in the first three months be up to date on vaccines (Tdap, flu, COVID and RSV, if age 60-plus). We have decided to follow our doctor’s recommendations. Some of my family members are resistant to … Read more
DEAR ABBY: At a recent family gathering, my sister-in-law “Paula” asked my husband if she could use our bathroom. We have three in our home — one off the kitchen, one upstairs and one in our upstairs bedroom suite. Despite the fact that she and my husband both know of my incontinence problem, she asked … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My late husband was ill for six years. He experienced some dementia. He wasn’t able to work, and our life together changed a lot. I focused on supporting him through his decline until he eventually ended his own life. After his death, I discovered several secrets. He hadn’t been honest about his medical … Read more