Something fishy with fiance is tepping out Dear Abby: I am a 38-year-old woman. My fiance of five years, "Troy," and I live together and are the parents of a 5-month-old baby girl.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Best to avoid political arguments Dear Abby: I was taught that when you don't know a person's political affiliation, it is impolite to discuss politics, especially if it involves disparaging others (name-calling, putting down political candidates, etc.).
Friday, May 9, 2008
Gold digger's greed is obvious Dear Abby: A man I know is engaged to a woman 20 years younger. I think she's a gold digger, and here's why: She waved his credit card around after he gave it to her saying, "Look what I've got!" (He was not present.)
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Worrier can tune out bad news Dear Abby: I have been reading your column most of my adult life, but I don't ever remember seeing any letters from people who are just afraid of life.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Term is inappropriate Dear Abby: My mother-in-law -- I'll call her "Irene" -- refers to our 3-year-old daughter, "Amber," as "sexy." When she buys clothing for Amber, she will say, "This is sexy." When Amber was younger and would pull up her dress in play, Irene would say, "Are you trying to be sexy?" Luckily, when it has happened, Amber either didn't hear or remember her comments.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Response to rudeness is humor Dear Abby: May I offer a response to the letter from "Petite's Mom in Salem, Va." (Feb. 25), whose daughter "Claire" is the target of rude comments due to her size?
Monday, May 5, 2008
Cemetery issue divides family Dear Abby: My husband and I have been informed that a family headstone has been purchased, and our share is $2,000 -- each. This was never discussed among the family members. The cemetery is located out of state. My husband is in the military, and we had planned to use the military cemetery where we live for a small fee. We think the family was rude and presumptuous planning for our deaths.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
He's unsure on promise ring Dear Abby: For the last three years I have been dating this girl, "Annie," whom I love very much. We're both 18, and I am starting college in the fall and plan to go into the military.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Fear of driving hinders relationship Dear Abby : I fell in love with "Wade" the night I met him. We almost got married, but he couldn't get past my fear of driving. As a child, I witnessed an accident. It was horrific and left me emotionally scarred. If I try to drive in traffic I freeze up and get flashbacks. I have tried for years to put this behind me.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Mixed marriage divides family Dear Abby: My husband, "Vincent," and I have been together for 10 years. We have two beautiful children, a good marriage and a close bond with my family.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Wife may have to keep flying solo Dear Abby: "Mrs. Couch Potato" (Feb. 28) complained that she's finding in retirement that her husband isn't interested in social activities. Please tell her she's not alone.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Mom sacrifices for children Dear Abby: My mother needs help, but will not listen to my brother or me. She has always respected your advice, and she needs it desperately now.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Gossip inferior form of fun Dear Abby: I live in a medium-sized community where a lot of people know one another. I often hear them discuss such private matters as the state of someone's marriage, their finances, etc. Even if they don't know if what they're saying is true, they still repeat it.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Release is no favor to doves Dear Abby: The wedding season is fast approaching, and every year, starry-eyed brides plan to release white doves to "freedom" as part of their wedding celebration.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Long hair prompts ridicule Dear Abby: Please help me deliver a message to a family here about their son, who is a fifth-grader in the school my children also attend.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Squawk about teen's pot use Dear Abby: Our 16-year-old son uses instant messaging, and we often "check in" on what he is saying and who he's speaking with. Although he knows we keep abreast of what he's doing online, he's obviously unaware of how much detail we have access to.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Sister's taunts prompt tears Dear Abby: I'm 12 and adopted. I have always known and have never felt less loved because of it. My mom always said that when you're adopted, you know that you are wanted and loved because nobody gets adopted by accident.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Family business traps woman Dear Abby: I'm in my early 40s. I studied marketing and merchandising in college, but after graduation I chose to work in the family business. I married young, and my father hired my first husband so he could one day take over because I wasn't considered "man" enough to carry on this third-generation business.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Daughter wrong about dad's lady Dear Abby: I have been divorced for four years. About nine months ago, I met "Cecil," a wonderful man who was widowed three years ago. We have fallen in love.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Hunting with kids contentious Dear Abby: I am writing in response to the letter from "Concerned Grandpa" regarding his son-in-law taking his 4-year-old grandson hunting. I'll bet you were inundated with mail from both sides of this issue.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Deaf woman's speech surprises Dear Abby: I am a deaf woman who was raised by a woman who made sure I had speech therapy most of my life. Because of it, my speech is quite good, and people often forget that I am deaf or don't believe me.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Finding right ring for divorce Dear Abby: I am a 45-year-old woman with two daughters, ages 20 and 23. I married my high school sweetheart, "Cooper." I had heard rumors that Cooper had strayed from time to time, but had no evidence to back it up, and, of course, he denied it.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Sisters must end blame game Dear Abby: My parents recently divorced. My sister and I live with our mother. Mom and Dad had to sell our three-bedroom home in the divorce settlement. Even though Dad pays child support, money is tight and Mom can only afford a two-bedroom apartment.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Sister brought debt on herself Dear Abby: My sister, "Ellie," and her husband, "Bill," have three lovely little girls. Both have good jobs and live in a pleasant neighborhood. However, neither one ever learned any life skills. Both worked and lived rent-free with their parents until they met and married in their late 20s. Consequently, they are up to their necks in credit card debt because of their need for instant gratification.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Families of disabled can find help Dear Abby: Please allow me to respond to "No Thanks! Sacramento, Calif." (Feb. 7). Having also grown up with a disabled sibling, I empathize with her distress and feeling "saddled" with an obligation of caring for her younger mentally retarded sister.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Parting hair can bring sorrow Dear Abby: For most of my life, I have parted my hair on the right. I am now being told that men should part their hair on the left. Is there a correct side for men? -- Harry W., Morro Bay, Calif.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Some moms cannot be pleased Dear Abby: My parents will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year, so my siblings and I have been trying to plan something special.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Self-esteem boost can help girl Dear Abby: My 14-year-old stepdaughter, "Nicki," is sweet, sensitive, shy and artistic. Through no fault of her own she is two grades behind in school. She's not anti-social but has few friends at school because of the age difference. The friends she does have take advantage of her. They spend time with her only when she has spending money. They also borrow her things and do not return the items in good condition.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Silence is deafening to girlfriend Dear Abby: I have been dating "Louis" for six months. Things are going great. I know he is my soul mate, and I need look no further. He's intelligent, artistic, appreciative, caring, and we have the same political and spiritual philosophy. We are both optimistic about a wonderful future together.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Bonding disorder may fuel anger Dear Abby: Five years ago, my husband and I adopted two siblings who have "special circumstances." The problem is my youngest child hates me and does everything possible to get me to leave.
If your child or grandchild had a birthday in the past month or so, we want to know! The Herald News runs birthday party photos, and best of all, it’s free. Every Wednesday on the Community Page, we feature highlights of a child's birthday party that includes a photo and little article. To be included in Birthday Party, send a photo of your child having fun at his or her party via e-mail to birthdaymaven@yahoo.com. You also can drop off or mail a picture at the Herald News office, 300 Caterpillar Drive, Joliet, Ill., 60436. Include the child’s birth date, hometown and a phone number where you can be reached. For more information,contact Suzanne Baker at (815) 729-6039 or e-mail at birthdaymaven@yahoo.com.
