Local Woman Faces Homelessness Despite Offers of Help

In a heartbreaking story of struggle and refusal to accept help, a woman in Oregon is facing homelessness despite having multiple options available to her. The woman, who has been a good friend to many for over 20 years, has been living in her car for several months now after a short stint in various Airbnbs.

According to her friend, who reached out to advice columnist Dear Abby, the woman has a free living option available but refuses to take it because it would require her to move five hours away from her current job. The friend, who has a guest room available, has provided temporary housing for the woman on three separate occasions, but it is not a sustainable or long-term solution.

The frustration of the situation is evident in the friend's letter to Dear Abby. The housing in their area is expensive, and the woman only works part-time at most. She has turned down affordable living situations in the past, deeming them too “gross” for her. The friend is concerned about the woman's safety and well-being, especially as she is just one car lease payment away from potentially sleeping under a bridge.

Dear Abby's response offers a tough but wise perspective. She advises the friend to let her friend live the life she has chosen, even if it means living in her car. It is clear that the woman is unwilling to help herself, and no amount of intervention or assistance will change that. It is a difficult situation for the friend, but ultimately, she cannot rescue someone who does not want to be rescued.

In a separate letter, another reader seeks advice on a family issue. The reader's youngest son married and moved across the country due to his wife's controlling nature, influenced by her mother. The couple now has three children, and the son is experiencing major marital issues after the death of his father-in-law from COVID-19. The son wants to leave his wife and return to his family on the East Coast, but is hesitant because of the children.

Dear Abby suggests that the son seek advice from a family law attorney and a licensed psychotherapist to navigate the difficult situation. Separating from his wife and mother-in-law may provide some relief from the double-team dynamic they have created. The reader is advised to step back and let her son handle the situation while offering support from a distance.

In another letter, a furious mother from Michigan expresses her anger and hurt after her daughter was disinvited from her half-sister's wedding. The mother feels that her daughter's feelings were hurt, and her own feelings were hurt even more. She questions why her daughter was excluded from the wedding and why her husband did not stand up for his younger daughter.

Dear Abby suggests having a rational conversation with the daughter's half-sister to fully understand the circumstances. While disinviting someone from a celebration is not ideal, there may have been legitimate concerns related to the age difference between the bride and the daughter. It is important for the mother to address her concerns directly and seek understanding rather than allowing resentment to build.

In another letter, a worried mother from Florida seeks advice about her 32-year-old son who moved back home six months ago and seems to be stuck in a rut. The son, despite having a college degree, works as a valet and spends most of his time playing video games. The mother is concerned about his lack of direction and asks how she can help him.

Dear Abby suggests exploring the possibility of emotional problems such as depression and encouraging independence. The mother is advised not to enable her son by allowing him to avoid responsibility and continue hiding in his room playing video games. It is important to address the issue early on to prevent it from persisting in the long term.

Lastly, a reader wonders whether it was wrong for her niece to exclude pictures of their maternal grandparents in a handmade quilt gift for her brother's 60th birthday. The reader's sister argues that it was not wrong to exclude their parents from the quilt.

Dear Abby states that it was none of the reader's business and that she should have stayed out of it. The quilt was a heartfelt gift that required time and effort to create, and it is not for the reader to criticize. If the reader feels that some relatives were left out, she can create a separate family album for her nephew as a meaningful gesture.

These letters to Dear Abby shed light on various personal struggles and family difficulties. Each situation presents unique challenges and calls for understanding, support, and sometimes tough love. It is a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the importance of seeking guidance when facing difficult circumstances.