In a series of letters to Dear Abby, individuals seek advice on various personal issues and conflicts. The first letter is from a woman in Ohio who is struggling with her relationship with her son. She describes her son's former wife as difficult and manipulative, and believes that she turned her son against her. Despite being divorced for six years, the son continues to fall into the same pattern of ignoring his mother and letting his girlfriends possess him. The mother is deeply hurt and does not understand why her son feels the need to choose between her and his significant others. She longs for a regular phone call and to see him, but he refuses. Dear Abby advises the mother to focus on building a reliable support system independent of her son by volunteering and lending support to others.
Another letter comes from a woman in Texas who is struggling with her husband's controlling behavior and the way he criticizes her “tone” whenever they have a conversation. The woman feels invisible and unable to communicate with her husband, as he gets mad whenever she asks a question or makes a comment. She asks for advice on how to deal with this situation. Dear Abby suggests that both the husband and wife have their hearing checked, as it may be a contributing factor to their communication issues. If their hearing is normal, Abby recommends seeking help from a licensed marriage and family therapist.
A woman from Texas writes to Dear Abby, expressing her pain and confusion over her mother's decision to remain married to the man who molested her and her siblings. The mother chose her husband over her children, causing a rift in their once close relationship. The woman asks for advice on how to forgive her mother and move past the pain. Abby acknowledges the seriousness of the situation and suggests reaching out to R.A.I.N.N., an organization that can connect her with experienced therapists. Abby also advises the woman to notify the police about the abuse to protect other potential victims.
A man from California seeks advice on a situation involving his fiance and her co-worker. During a game night at the co-worker's house, the fiance wore a short skirt that revealed her black lace panties whenever she sat down. The fiance's behavior, coupled with her loud laughs, made the man uncomfortable and upset. He questions whether his feelings are valid and if they need couples therapy before getting married. Abby advises the man to communicate his feelings to his fiance and express his preference for socializing with people they have more in common with.
A husband writes to Dear Abby expressing his frustration with his wife's newfound obsession with crossword puzzles. Since her retirement, she does puzzles all day, ignoring him and their family. The husband feels completely ignored and talks to his wife about his feelings, to no avail. He seeks advice on how to address this issue. Dear Abby suggests having another conversation with his wife and expressing his unwillingness to be ignored. Abby recommends seeking guidance from a licensed marriage and family therapist if the issue persists.
A man writes to Dear Abby about his neighbor and the difficulties he faces while trying to maintain a friendly relationship with her. The neighbor has alienated others with her intrusive behavior, but the man feels conflicted about completely cutting her off due to his upbringing. He asks Abby for advice on how to politely but firmly tell his neighbor to leave him alone. Abby advises the man to lock his door and not let the neighbor into his apartment uninvited. She also suggests being honest with the neighbor about why he stopped taking her places.
A woman considers reaching out to her biological mother for financial help since her adopted parents are in poor health and struggling financially. She wonders if it would be wrong to ask for help. Dear Abby advises against asking the birth mother for financial assistance, as it is not her responsibility to support the couple who adopted the woman. Abby suggests seeking help from other relatives or local resources such as the Area Agency on Aging.
A man writes to Dear Abby seeking advice on how to handle his stepson, who refuses to see him after the man and his wife reunited following a separation. The man is unsure how to deal with his stepson's rejection and asks for guidance. Abby advises the man to be a gracious hostess if his stepson visits and suggests that his wife mediate and help repair their relationship.
Finally, a woman who recently returned home from the hospital writes to Dear Abby to express her frustration with family members who offer help without specifying what they can do. She suggests that family members call and let her husband know specifically what they are willing to do to help, such as bringing a meal or running errands. Abby agrees with the woman's point and encourages family members to be clear about their offers of assistance.
themes: California Texas Ohio
