abby
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Gay man refuses to come out to future bride
Dear Abby: My oldest son came out to me as a gay man in a private conversation. I have no problem with him being gay; however, I do have a problem with the fact that he has asked me not to tell anyone. He isn’t …Read More
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Mom should not have to stay in hotel with in-law
Dear Abby: I am frustrated and angry over a situation that should be fun and happy. My husband, “Rick,” and I are planning a trip with our two children next month. We will visit family while we are there, but they don’t have room for …Read More
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Vapor-emitting smokes no danger to others
Dear Abby: I work in a small office with two former heavy smokers who have now transitioned to vapor/e-cigarettes. My concern is that they “smoke” their e-cigarettes in the office constantly, and I don’t know what chemicals I am now breathing secondhand. Both of them …Read More
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Cohabiting requires independence, maturity
Dear Abby: As a father of two teenage daughters, I have a question about couples living together. Do relationships that start this way have a higher failure rate than those that don’t? What should be considered when a young girl has the “living together” question …Read More
Girl says she’s ready to date, but it’s up to parents
Dear Abby: I am a 13-year-old girl and my parents won’t let me date. I believe I am mature for my age and won’t do anything foolish. I don’t know why my parents are being like this. Please give me some advice on how to …Read More
Married woman wants more out of life
Dear Abby: “Jake” and I have been married more than 20 years. I married before I was 18, and I’m not even 40 yet. Jake is seven years my senior. We have had our ups and downs, and although the last five years have been …Read More
Ridiculed for weight, she should hang tough
Dear Abby: I was moved by the letter from “Losing Slowly in Ohio” (Jan. 14), who is 50 pounds overweight and walks every day with her friend to lose weight. She said that almost daily people made fun of them. My heart goes out to …Read More
Son draws unwanted attention from older girls
Dear Abby: My son is a tall, strikingly handsome teenager, although somewhat shy. Our problem is that his looks attract the wrong kind of attention from aggressive girls, and it’s getting worse every year. He and his 14-year-old sister went out to eat after school …Read More
Husband always rude with spouse’s parents
Dear Abby: I have been married for 18 years to a man I have a good relationship with. My problem is he has always been extremely rude to my parents. They aren’t critical or judgmental of him, and they try hard to be friendly and …Read More
It’s up to ex to decide his role in son’s life
Dear Abby: My 14-year-old son, “Nils,” recently joined a sport he really enjoys. His stepdad and I are at every practice, helping the coaches and coaching my son along. Nils recently commented to me that he would like it if his father could come and …Read More
Husband crunches ice constantly, annoys wife
Dear Abby: My husband has ice water with every meal. During breakfast and dinner, he loudly crunches all of the ice in his glass throughout the meal. I have asked him not to do it at the dinner table, but he thinks I’m being unreasonable. …Read More
Friendships can stand up to long distances
Dear Abby: I am a 16-year-old girl from Serbia. I have been in U.S. for two years and I’m studying English in an ESL class. I read your column and could use some help to solve my problem because I am very upset. I have …Read More
Respect woman’s wish for no birthday surprises
Dear Abby: I was raised that a person’s birthday is his or her day to do whatever he or she wants, but my wishes are being ignored by a close friend I’ll call Wade. For the last 10 years I have ignored my birthday and …Read More
Grandma need not be automatic baby-sitter
Dear Abby: My daughter died in a car accident two years ago. She and her boyfriend, “Reed,” had a 4-month-old daughter, “Angela.” Since then, Reed has been very understanding and liberal with visitations. However, it didn’t take him long to find another girlfriend, who has …Read More
Bride bamboozled, but should cut her losses
Dear Abby: My daughter was married eight months ago. During the planning of the wedding, her fiance was very involved in every aspect of decision-making. Soon after the vows were exchanged, her new husband became cold and distant toward her. He would constantly tell her …Read More
Independent thinker sees adult hypocrisy
Dear Abby: I’m a 14-year-old girl. I don’t understand why adults tell me to be an independent thinker, to embrace myself, and then put me down for not conforming. Why is it outrageous to come to your own conclusions, speculate, challenge accepted ideas or find …Read More
Inmate wonders about romance in his future
Dear Abby: I’m a 50-year-old man who is serving time for robbery in West Virginia. Every day, I wake up acting as if I am in control and don’t have a care in the world. The truth is, I’m scared, lonely and feel totally helpless. …Read More
Earlobe plugs a matter of taste, can be repaired
Dear Abby: I would like to know what the fascination is with putting plugs in one’s earlobes. I have seen some as large as half-dollar coins. What does the person do if he regrets having done this to his ears? Can the holes be surgically …Read More
Child not a lost cause, she just needs help
Dear Abby: I have just discovered that my granddaughter’s mother helped her get a Facebook page on which she is listed as 17, interested in men and in a relationship. The child is only 11, but you’d never know it from the makeup and hairdo …Read More
Ex-wife taking advantage of man’s kindness
When a man’s ex-wife turns up on his doorstep, was he wrong to allow her to live with him until she sorts out her life?





