DEAR ABBY: My daughter is in her early 30s and in a long-term relationship with a young man nine years younger. While they get along well and are starting to talk about marriage, I see things she doesn’t. I think the age gap will be an issue later, but more than that, I don’t believe … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I am worried about my 26-year-old son, “Caleb.” He’s severely overweight. Let me be clear: I love him regardless of his weight, but I think he binge eats to cope with anxiety and depression. A mutual love of eating was how my son and his late mom bonded. For example, when his favorite … Read more
DEAR ABBY: Four years ago, after our family gathering for Christmas, my brother-in-law sent me a message saying I looked “sexy” in my sweater. I replied, “Thanks.” A year later, at another family gathering, he sent me messages asking about my car, which led to sexual advances. I tried to avoid his advances by being … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My partner, “Greg,” and I have been together a year. I’m getting the impression my success at work is making him insecure. I pursued a stable and high-paying career. I enjoy knowing I can support my future children’s needs financially. My success has now resulted in several big promotions, which means more demanding … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I was married for 39 years to “Morris,” an alcoholic and a spendthrift. In 2010, he announced he was having an affair with his boss, and the next day he moved in with and eventually married her. I was left filled with anger and resentment, and so were my two grown boys. Eventually, … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married 40 years and have two grown children. My husband is controlling. He wants things done his way and only his way and will go on and on about it if something is done any other way. He tells me to make up my mind about stuff, … Read more
DEAR ABBY: A friend of mine calls first or pops by every few months. She’s generous and brings homemade treats, something she has found at the grocer’s or flowers from her garden. We have great chats, and I really like her. The problem is, she always brings her little dog, whom she calls the most … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My husband, “Evan,” and I have been together five years and were married 2 1/2 years ago. We’re both in our early 40s and have children from previous relationships. What I’ve noticed is that anytime there is something going on in his family, I constantly have to ask him for updates. He sometimes … Read more
DEAR ABBY: Our dear mother passed away 2 1/2 years ago, which was very sad for me and my three siblings. Her passing happened on my adult son’s birthday. I try hard to focus only on the happy occasion of celebrating my wonderful son on his day, but my older sister sends me sad messages, … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My wife and I have been married for four years. When we got married, we were both monogamous. We wanted kids and a classic nuclear family, and our interests and political beliefs were similar. We had three kids in 15 months and received no help from anyone. I wasn’t the perfect husband. I … Read more
DEAR ABBY: I am a gay man. My husband, “Isaac,” and I have been together for 21 years, married for nine. I’m having challenges with his sister. Over these 21 years, I have observed that any decisions involving their family gatherings and vacations are strictly determined by his sister, with no consideration given to whether … Read more
DEAR ABBY: My sister-in-law, “Carla,” has had a “girlfriend,” “Susan,” for the past year who she has never met or spoken to. They only text. Carla says they plan to be married when they meet, which is canceled repeatedly. When I have asked, Carla has confusing reasons why they can’t FaceTime or speak on the … Read more
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