Life Advice
/Health
Harsh Words Intensify Spat Involving In-Laws
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 little sister at her birthday party and was ...Read more
Expectant Mom Wants Her Sex Offender Father Out Of The Picture
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 a child on the way, I cannot ...Read more
Elderly Couple's Only Child Begins A Life Without Them
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 terminal illnesses, I have managed to function fairly ...Read more
Woman About To Share News Of Her Surprise Pregnancy
DEAR ABBY: My partner and I have been together 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 I am unsure what my partner's reaction is going to be. I haven't ...Read more
Grown Godchildren No Longer Communicate As Often
DEAR ABBY: My godchildren and I were always very close. They consider me literally their second mom. Until now, we were blessed with great communication. The oldest always sent me a warm Mother's Day greeting and called me often.
About a year ago, she started ignoring all of my overtures. Her younger sister, who is also grown with children, ...Read more
Woman Doesn't Want To Pay Unemployed Sister's Rent
DEAR ABBY: At 63, I am the youngest sister of four siblings. We grew up in the turmoil of Dad's alcoholism and hoarding, as well as physical and emotional abuse from both our parents.
One of my sisters, "June," was sexually assaulted by my brother. She's 71 now and hasn't worked since she was in her early 30s. She supports herself on Social ...Read more
Comedian Brothers' Feud Is No Laughing Matter
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 doing comedy. We suspect the disagreement started well ...Read more
Husband's Retirement Is Off To A Rocky Start
DEAR ABBY: My husband retired three weeks ago, and he has been driving me crazy ever since. I'm a night owl, and he's known it since we met 10 years ago. Today, he told me he'd be playing golf with an old friend tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. at a course 45 minutes away and needed to get up at 6 a.m.
I asked if he could be extra quiet in the morning and...Read more
Girlfriend Tires Of Boorish Man's Wandering Eye
DEAR ABBY: I have been with my boyfriend for 3 1/2 years. Before me, he was known for sleeping around. He has never cheated on me that I am aware of, but when we go to social gatherings (or just out), he flirts with other women. If there is another woman in the room, he keeps his eyes on her like I can't see it happening.
When I told him ...Read more