DEAR ABBY: I dearly love my husband. We’ve been married 33 years. We have raised three productive citizens, have five beautiful grandchildren and live in the heartland of America. Like most couples, we’ve had our ups and downs. My problem is my husband is a slob. He always has been, but it’s getting worse. He […]

DEAR ABBY: I am 74, and my wife is 71. We are lonely. All of our friends have died, and we have no relatives in this state. We both have health issues that keep us mostly housebound. That leaves out volunteering and sports, and the high cost of gas is a factor. We live in […]

DEAR ABBY: Our daughter is celebrating her 50th birthday next month. Her husband, ”Ben,” is throwing her a surprise party at a restaurant. We know because he has asked us to watch and feed the grandkids, who are in their teens. We have been taking care of the grandkids since they were born and have […]

DEAR ABBY: For the first time in my life, I am in love. We met about a month ago. I know he’s the man I have waited my entire life to meet. I am 33, so I know what I feel isn’t just lust. We have one huge hurdle, though: religion. He’s actively religious, while […]

DEAR ABBY: My parents are in their 80s. Both are of sound mind and body. However, they never saved for their retirement and never talked to a financial adviser to help them make financial decisions. Dad receives a pension, but upon his death, Mom will receive nothing. This is the way they set it up […]

DEAR ABBY: My brother was adopted at birth through an agency, but he was never told. He’s in his mid-50s now. We have no other siblings. Our parents never felt my brother was emotionally strong enough to accept the news of his adoption. Our father passed on years ago, and our mother is now elderly. […]

DEAR ABBY: I have a friend, ”Charlene,” whom I met through a local charity organization. We have many things in common, including the fact that we’re both retired, and we enjoy each other’s company. Charlene is slim (not skinny), very energetic and fit for her age. The problem is, it’s impossible to share a meal […]

DEAR ABBY: I have been married five years and have two children under 3. I grew up in a large Italian-American family; my husband did not. He doesn’t understand the closeness I have with my family. To him, ”family” is just the four of us. He doesn’t comprehend the need for my family to get […]

DEAR ABBY: I’m 91. I have outlived many of my longtime friends. In my address book I counted 22 pals whose names I have crossed out after they died. These were people we danced, dined and traveled with. Only five members of the old gang are left, but they’ve all dispersed. Making new friends is […]

DEAR ABBY: I’ve been trying to declutter and get rid of things, but each time I do, my mother scolds me for getting rid of sentimental items and sends them back to my room. There are clothes that haven’t fit me for years, old trinkets, even gift boxes she won’t let me dispose of or […]