Dear Abby Column Summaries

Mother Concerned About Daughter’s Complaints

Abby advises a mother whose daughter often talks negatively about her husband. The mother seeks advice on how to handle this situation without getting involved.

Man Feels Like a Failure

A man shares his struggles and feelings of failure. Abby offers support and guidance on coping with life’s challenges.

Frustrated Lawyer with Father-in-Law

A lawyer deals with a father-in-law who frequently calls for help after being scammed. Abby provides advice on managing the situation.

Issues with Significant Other’s Daughter

A person faces difficulties with their partner’s misbehaving young daughter. Abby gives advice on how to handle the troubling behavior.

Concerned About a Potential Affair

A person is worried about a possible affair with their best friend’s husband. Abby provides advice on maintaining boundaries.

Ungrateful Adult Children

A reader is troubled by ungrateful adult children who do not acknowledge her generosity. Abby offers guidance on handling this situation.

Reconnecting with an Old Ex

A reader who left an ex decades ago wants to reach out while married to someone else. Abby advises on the potential outcomes and concerns.

Son-in-Law’s Cat Videos

A woman receives numerous cat videos from her son-in-law. Abby advises on how to address this light-hearted yet persistent issue.

Gift Etiquette with Sister-in-Law

A woman is frustrated with a sister-in-law who does not reciprocate gift-giving. Abby provides advice on handling family gift etiquette.

Neglected Neighbor’s Caregiver

A neighbor’s concerns are raised about the neglectful care of an elderly individual by a caregiver holding power of attorney. Abby addresses these concerns along with community feedback.

Maintaining a Neighbor’s House

When a neighbor dies and their family neglects home care, a person seeks guidance on their responsibilities. Abby provides advice on dealing with this dilemma.

Niece’s Scheduling Problems

A host tired of a niece’s tardiness receives advice from Abby on setting boundaries and managing expectations for family gatherings.

Choosing a Vacation Over Family

A reader feels guilt after choosing a trip to Italy over attending a niece’s wedding. Abby advises on embracing decisions without remorse.

Self-Esteem Struggles

Despite having a successful life, a reader battles with low self-esteem. Abby provides guidance on fostering self-confidence and acceptance.

Messages from Past Relationships

Following infidelity in her marriage, a woman receives messages from past flings. Abby advises on navigating this complex situation.

Friend Reselling Gifts

A reader discovers her friend’s actions of reselling gifts meant for her son. Abby suggests ways to address this breach of trust.

Revealing Family Secrets

A reader contemplates revealing past abuse by her mother to her son. Abby gives advice on weighing the decision to share hidden truths.

Granddaughter’s Impact on Friendship

A neighbor’s granddaughter’s behavior threatens a longstanding friendship. Abby addresses how to resolve the conflict and restore relations.

Etiquette on Offering Condolences

Abby advises on handling the etiquette concerning formal expressions of sympathy for a friend’s estranged father’s passing.

Granddaughter and Marijuana Concerns

Grandparents worried about their granddaughter’s exposure to marijuana at home receive advice from Abby on addressing legal and familial concerns.