ArcaMax

DEAR ABBY: I've been seeing a man, "Barry," who worked with my younger brother. They had an altercation at work, and Barry was terminated for misconduct. My brother, "Rob," is upset with me because I still see him. Barry did reach out to Rob to apologize and see if they could move on. While my brother has forgiven Barry, he has chosen to have no...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for two years, together for five. He's a wonderful man I love dearly. I always felt called to be a mother, and he has expressed the same about being a father. He would be an incredible father, and I'd love nothing more than to raise children with him.

The conflict is that, over the past year or so, ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I retired a few years ago to a neighborhood where most of the residents are our age, and we have become friendly with the widow next door. My husband and I help her out with any minor home issues she runs into and some light gardening. We are happy to do this. She and I also occasionally get together for coffee.

She ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: Should I be mad at the father of my unborn child for not coming with me to travel out of the country? My cousin is being married in Mexico. However, my partner, "Gabriel," isn't going because one of his good friends is getting married the same weekend.

We found out only recently that I am pregnant, and by the time my cousin's wedding...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My sister has a squawky bird she insists on keeping alongside the dinner table when she invites guests for dinner. Its ear-piercing screeching inhibits guests' ability to carry on normal conversation, so I asked her if, in the future, she could please put the bird in another room during dinner. She responded that the bird is a family ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband has been retired from law enforcement for five years. I can't retire, as I am self-employed. I was always the one who had to take time off work to care for him with his back and hip surgeries, his mom, his dad and my mom for the past 15 years. I also took care of his kids during weekend visits.

He has spent his retirement ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm a single man, and have been for 15 years. A year ago, I met a guy, "Josh," and we fell in love. He lived 240 miles away. A month ago, he transferred his job to my city and moved in with me. (I supported this 100%.) I had sown my wild oats long before he moved in.

Everything was going great until recently. Josh logged into my ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am a 40-something woman who has recently become disabled. I use a wheelchair. Some days, my body works; other days, it doesn't. But walking any distance causes me to have seizures. I look fairly healthy to anyone who isn't close to me, but I'm not.

About a year into my disability, my husband and I had to move in with my dad so he ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been together for nine years (married for seven). I moved into his house with him, and I'm still not on the mortgage. I work full time in the medical field and contribute to all the bills. We did meet with an attorney, and if, God forbid, something happens to him, we have a quitclaim deed, and I wouldn't have to ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am very close to my oldest sister's three sons, especially "Lucas," who is 38. He and I have communicated often and have seen each other (we live in different states) over the years. In a way, I have been his confidant. He knows I love him like a son.

Lucas is a professional in a big city and earns excellent money. He's well-liked ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: Fifteen years ago, my partner and I moved to a new community, befriending a neighbor whose initial kindness and generosity impressed us greatly. When the neighbor learned I was unemployed, his influence enabled me to secure a position with his company.

In a professional setting, however, the neighbor revealed a personality that was ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My mother, who is 69, recently moved close to where my wife and I live to be near us as she ages. On the whole, this has been great for all of us. Mom is in good health and still very active. She walks every day and takes care of her house and garden. We see her often.

The problem is, she is very resistant to meeting new people or ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am involved with a man, "Gerald," who is an only child and has a difficult relationship with his mother. We bought his mother's home two years ago because she couldn't afford it on her own. She had separated from her husband, who is not Gerald's father.

Initially, his mother was going to stay with us, but she reunited with her ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband, "Silas," and I have been married for 30 years. He is the deacon and Sunday school teacher at our church. (His brother is the pastor.) Silas had a two-year affair with another woman at work while he continued teaching Sunday school.

I have a hard time with this. I will never trust him again, and I don't trust him in my ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm an outgoing person with a lot of friends, but I have begun being "ghosted" after setting up or facilitating an introduction between male and female friends. This has happened more than once when I'm pretty good friends with the guy. I introduce him to a female friend or colleague and encourage their relationship, only to have him ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have been divorced for many years and have a partner. "Andy" is a widower whose wife died 20 years ago. We have been a couple for 13 years, although we don't live together.

My son is 30, and his partner is 40. Both have their own families and busy lives. I met Andy while my son still lived at home, so he has never spent the night ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am a retiree with diabetes and heart trouble. My husband is disabled. I'm his sole caregiver when I have the energy to do it. Our adult daughter lives with us and works full time in the medical field on weekends. She does practically nothing around the house.

The real problem is, we have four dogs. Two of them are large. All four ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am the mother of a daughter, "Rebecca," I placed for adoption when I was a teenager. Long story short, we have reunited. We not only have a wonderful relationship, but I have a great relationship with Rebecca's adoptive mom, and my husband and children (with my husband) all have an open and caring relationship with her.

Fast-...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My aunt frequently cuts people out of her life for perceived slights -- small, large and imagined. A few years ago, she got into a fight with my dad (her brother). Somehow, the rest of my family got cut out, too. Guilt by association, I guess.

She has done it to me so many times that I decided this last time would be it. I no longer ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: During my entire 40-year marriage, I have wondered if my husband is bisexual. He met his friend "Ernie" around the same time he met me. My husband has always had female friends as well as Ernie. When he came home late, I'd accuse him of having affairs with his female co-workers.

We have stayed together, although there have been a lot...Read more