Mother hurt by distant son, daughter-in-law

Dear Abby: My son married a sweet girl three years ago, and I thought we would become a close family. I haven't bothered them at all. Since then, she has become cold and distant to me. My son rarely calls or comes around.

Woman seeks orthodox life, wants fiance's support

Dear Abby: I have been with my fiance for four years. He is 32, I'm 23. He is Catholic and I am Jewish. When I met him, I wasn't particularly religious, but since planning a trip to Israel and after studying under a rabbi, I have become more religious.

Mom with kids, hubby wants time alone

Dear Abby: My husband and I have five kids, all under 6. The youngest are 7-month-old twins. A family in our church offered to watch them so my husband and I can go out. We haven't been alone together in a year. We have no family or friends nearby.

Daughter living with boyfriend doesn't get mother's support

Dear Abby: I am 25, and my boyfriend and I have been together since high school. We have now decided to take our relationship to the next level by living together.

Woman is left bewildered by relative's theft of purse

Dear Abby: Recently, my cousin-in-law, 'Carrie,' attended a family party. I was happy to see her because I like her and haven't seen her since my wedding in 2011.

Learn signs of elder abuse to prevent it from happening

Dear Abby: Thank you for all you do to keep our seniors safe. Saturday is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. On that day, communities in the USA and all over the world will sponsor events to highlight the growing tragic issue of elder abuse.

Snooping mom feels shut out by son's insistence on privacy

Dear Abby: My partner of 12 years and I are well-educated, successful career men. Every few months my mom comes to visit, and we all enjoy spending time together.

Widow of drug abuser fears her brother will follow suit

Dear Abby: I have read your column for as long as I can remember. My husband died from a drug overdose, and I am a widow at 32. He was a good man before the drugs, but he wouldn't stop and I was helpless to intervene. I am now raising our two sons alone.

Worn American flags should be disposed of with respect

Dear Abby: I was wondering if you could print something about how to properly dispose of American flags. I'm a garbage man in northern Illinois, and I am sick of finding American flags in the trash.

Woman not ready for marriage looks for nice way to say no

Dear Abby: I have been with my boyfriend, 'Ned,' for almost two years. I'm 19 and we have lived together since we started dating.

Couple's great relationship is second victim of woman's rape

Dear Abby: I have been dating 'Vernon' for six months. We were great together from the day we met. It was like we'd known each other forever and could talk for hours. We talked every night and it was amazing.

Son who is going through puberty in need of a word to the wise

Dear Abby: I’m a single mother of two amazing boys, 16 and 12. While my older son has been private about coming into puberty, my younger son is very open about it, and we have had many conversations about it. Abby, I’ll be honest. The subject makes me uncomfortable.

Children taught to appreciate solitude find good company

Dear Abby: I would like to respond to 'Solitary Woman in Ottawa, Canada' (March 5), the expectant mom who asked how she could raise her child to enjoy 'periods of quiet, reflective fun by himself.'

Daughter tired of caring for sick relatives

Dear Abby: I took care of my grandmother until her death a few years ago, and now my mother is very sick. I feel angry because I'm only 23, and it seems all I have ever done is take care of sick people. I sit at the hospital sometimes just fuming.

New wife's short leash keeps dad away from his young son

Dear Abby: My ex-husband and I divorced a year ago. We share a 4-year-old son and have a cordial relationship.

Friend keeping confidences feels he's about to crack

Dear Abby: I am friendly with a married couple. The husband, 'Grant,' is my best friend and we talk about everything. His wife, 'Sharon,' and I are equally ...

Confused teen regrets she had sex

Dear Abby: I'm a 14-year-old girl who recently had sex with my boyfriend. It was the first time for both of us. A week and a half later, we had a big fight.

Warring employees must be brought to a truce

Dear Abby: I own a business with just two employees, my husband and a very old friend.

Remember soldiers who inspired holiday

Dear Readers: To all of you who are observing Memorial Day with me, please join in reflecting for a moment on those members of our armed forces who have ...

Nursing student needs primer on rules of the dating game

Dear Abby: I'm a 21-year-old nursing student in college. I'm a 'people person' and everyone says I'm easy to talk to. According to my friends, I am pretty, ...

Wedding thank-you note fails to deliver intended message

Dear Abby: My husband and I attended the wedding of the son of some old friends in another state. Rather than buy the young couple a gift, we instead gave them ...

Money spent to keep kids from smoking is no bribe

Dear Abby: I was surprised to see you equate a concerned grandmother's creative solution to smoking with bribery in your Feb. 14 column. The word 'bribe' has a ...

Gender reassignment involves more than a lifestyle change

Dear Abby: My husband and I recently learned that our sister-in-law's adult son from a prior marriage, 'Charlie,' is now 'Claire.' My husband and I have three ...

Romantic spark likely snuffed out forever

Dear Abby: My boyfriend and I have been together a year and a half. I regret moving in with him when I did, which was after only three months of dating. We ...

GED hopefuls should earn one before costs go up

Dear Abby: I have worked in the field of education for more than 40 years, with the last 25 years serving in adult education, helping students complete their ...

Mom dreads rivalry between daughter and her new sibling

Dear Abby: I am the mother of a 5-year-old daughter I'll call Mandy. Her father and I separated when she was 16 months old and now we are divorced. I am newly ...

RVs on highways this summer will need extra room to roam

Dear Abby: It's vacation time again, time to hit the road in the RV. Please make your readers aware that people driving motorhomes, towing fifth-wheel trailers ...