DEAR ABBY: My friend “Alma” has a handicapped parking permit. I never asked her why she has it. We regularly go for long walks, and she seems perfectly able-bodied. Alma did share with me once that she got the tag after an accident left her with some intermittent long-term pain. She said most days she … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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” … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I am a single man with no siblings. My elderly father passed away eight months ago. My mother is now in hospice with a life expectancy of weeks to months. My parents have lived long and productive lives, and I’m proud of both of them. We have always been very close. Since their … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My partner and I have been together for 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 … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My mother-in-law is living with us, and she and my husband are very good friends. They are a lot alike. They’re outgoing and they’re huggers and they talk a lot. I feel like a third wheel most of the time, but I occupy myself by reading in another part of the house or … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are the parents of three grown sons. Our middle son (“Kurt,” age 29) has been in conflict with his younger brother (“Jared,” age 26) for more than a year. Kurt started doing stand-up comedy but still works a day job to pay his bills. Jared now has also started … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been dating a guy off and on for the past seven years. “Giorgio” is a wonderful person and will do just about anything for me. The problems are that he doesn’t have much to offer, and he talks too much. He shares a great deal of our private business to family and … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My best friend of 45 years and I are 65. She has been married since 1985; I have been divorced for many years. She recently shocked me by claiming that a mutual friend told her I have been having an affair with a married acquaintance! This is false, but I now wonder whether … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I’m a 23-year-old college student struggling to find direction in life. I’ve been trying to find a part-time job and an internship, but I have had no success. This leaves me increasingly anxious, especially as my parents, who currently help me with tuition and rent, are getting older and can’t continue working much … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I recently turned 30, and I find myself in kind of a “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” situation, specifically the scene where Toula’s father has invited several Greek men to dinner to try to persuade her to marry one of them. I told my father I am not interested in dating, but he … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been divorced for 13 years and have been dating “Paul” for the last five years. Paul is kind, helps with things around the house and loves my friends and family. We share many common interests and enjoy being together. We are now considering moving to the next step: marriage. We already live … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been with my husband for 19 years, and we have established a loving, stable relationship despite some very tumultuous times. I have always known he finds me attractive, and he compliments my appearance, but many times throughout our marriage, his demeanor toward me has changed if someone more attractive is around. (He … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been married to “Chuck” for 40 years. We’ve had a fairly decent life together, even though Chuck drank heavily for 35 of those years. Now, as we enter our twilight years, he has experienced various medical problems, which have prompted him to stop drinking altogether. Although this is a good thing, I … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I fell in love with my best friend. When I told her 10 years ago, she distanced herself. We were still friends, but she went on making bad choices in her relationships, and I never found anyone who could compare to her. We reconnected recently and have once again become very close. I … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I lost my wife 14 years ago. We were married for 26 years. Our two children are now adults. I have since remarried and moved to another state. My children love and respect their stepmother. I have five step-grandchildren who live within 15 minutes of my current home. I love them, and they … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My friend invites me for dinner often, and I keep coming up with vague excuses about why I cannot come. The reason for my reluctance is her poor kitchen hygiene. The fridge always has old food and spillage, and her kitchen counters and sink are littered with dirty dishes and leftovers. She doesn’t … Read more