ArcaMax

DEAR ABBY: My parents divorced when I was 5 years old, and my father moved out of state shortly afterward. For many years, I rarely saw him in person. However, he stayed in touch through phone calls and letters, and he always called on my birthday and holidays. Eventually, he settled in Alaska, far from where I lived. Even with the distance, he ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm a single male who's happy with his life, with plenty of friends and family. My issue is what I endure during the holidays. Every year, I'm invited over to Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I look forward to seeing family that I only see once or twice a year.

These get-togethers usually consist of 15 to 25 people. Yet, other than ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My twin sister and her husband are expecting their first child. I run a small business with my father. Although I work hard, neither of them seems to see or acknowledge my efforts. They consider me to be "sponging" off my father. They also disapprove of my relationship with my boyfriend because we have chosen to remain unmarried and ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have three grown children and seven grandchildren. I have solid relationships with my oldest and youngest, their spouses and their children. My middle daughter, "Hope," has always been distant. I've tried for years to build a relationship with her and her children.

Hope has suffered from mental and physical illness most of her life...Read more

DEAR ABBY: A year ago, a supposed friend of mine asked to borrow some money. Her husband had left the country so he could renew his visa to come back and work. They have kids. The wife's car was repossessed while he was gone, and she had no way to get to work. She borrowed $3,000 from me to get her car back. A few months later, she borrowed ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I are the proud parents of a popular, beautiful, charming and usually well-meaning 16-year-old girl. However, some of her recent behavior is causing serious concern.

"Lindsey" is part of her class's "in" crowd. Still, she's engaging and friendly to everyone, which is a value my wife and I have worked to instill in her. ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: Last year, a lifelong friend of mine, "Lisa," succumbed to long-term cancer. I'm close to her only child, "Becky." About six months after Lisa's death, Becky's father, "Jack," informed her that he had a steady girlfriend. Becky became upset, accusing him of being unfaithful as her mother lay dying.

Becky's father clapped back, saying...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm 34 years old and have been diagnosed with schizoaffective bipolar disorder. I have been in treatment for years with a psychiatrist and a therapist, and I take my medication daily as instructed. I do not drink or use drugs. I am committed to my mental health to prove that people like me can lead full lives.

My family wants me to ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I went out to run errands, and when I returned home, I found a political sign in our front yard. It seems a candidate asked my husband for a pledge of support, and he agreed to place the sign in our front yard without consulting me.

Because of my job, I have always stayed neutral and never publicly endorsed any candidate for ...Read more