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Hi there, Pard. Yep, it’s me, Alphonse Wilson, the one they call Windy. But this ain’t pertickler a good day for ol’ Windy. Fact-a-matter is, if I was to study how to do that depression stuff? This’d be a good day to start.
Read moreDEAR ABBY: My husband, “Alex,” and I are close friends with another couple who live out of state. During a virtual happy hour, our friend “Darlene” advised us that her brother “Roy” is moving to our area, and she suggested we become friends. She assumed my husband likes Roy. My husband answered honestly and said he doesn’t particularly like Roy. When Darlene pressed, wanting to know why, Alex again answered honestly. He said he thinks Roy is obnoxious.
Read moreDEAR ABBY: I’m having a hard time deciding what to do about my engagement to my fiance. We met at our old job. Before we got together, he was with someone else, and while he says he didn’t leave her for me, I am sure I helped.
Read moreDEAR ABBY: A childhood friend, “Brenda,” moved away 20 years ago. Even though we were living across the country from each other, we remained close.
Read moreDEAR ABBY: I have known my husband my whole life. We have been married 20 years and have three teenage children. Last year, I caught him cheating. Turned out he had been with someone for seven years. Our children and I were devastated, and he swore up and down he’d never do it again.
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DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been together for 12 years and our relationship has started to suffer. We no longer have dates, we don’t spend any time talking with each other unless it’s about the kids, and the intimacy has faded.
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DEAR ABBY: I have been interested in a woman for several years. During that time, I have dated her and helped her with her house. Today she called and asked me to walk her dog. I had to decline because I couldn’t fit it in. She sent me two emails, back-to-back: “Thanks, Fred, but one thing I’m sure of -- anyone who isn’t a friend of my dog is no friend of mine. Where’s your Christian service now? I don’t want you to check on my dog or me ever! You are a selfish guy who couldn’t take a five-minute drive on a 60-degree day, and I hope I won’t hear from you ever again. I wish you all the best. Enjoy sitting around taking care of you, yourself. Bye.”
Read moreDEAR HARRIETTE: My young adult child finally moved out of my house this summer. He finished college a few years ago and has just gotten on his feet with a job. It looks like he is starting his life off well. The issue I’m having is that he left his room a mess. Not only is it not tidy, but he left all kinds of stuff behind, everything from old CDs to clothing, books and random other stuff. I do not want to have to keep his door closed. In fact, I want to convert his room into a guest room. He will be allowed to stay there if he visits overnight, but he still lives in our town, so that is unlikely. I know he will be upset if I dump his stuff, but something’s got to give. How should I get him to take action? -- Clean It Out DEAR CLEAN IT OUT: Give your son a deadline for coming to empty his room, and be crystal clear about it. Tell him that you are about to convert his room into a guest room. Make sure he knows he is welcome to use it when he visits, but it will no longer be his. Note the date after which you will clear out his room. Tell him and email or text him the date so that he has clarity on your plan. Ask him to come help you remove the contents of the room. Point out that whatever he doesn’t collect will be donated or discarded. A week before the date, remind your son of your plan to dump the room’s contents. Urge him to help you. He filled the room. You should not be responsible for emptying it on your own. If he doesn’t show, get help and get rid of the items. ** DEAR HARRIETTE: I was so engaged in the political theater of our world that I got overwhelmed. Ever since January, I have not paid as close attention. I know that’s not right, and I see the impact on my kids. They were accustomed to my husband and me debating the actions of the former president or the status of the United States Supreme Court. We did get riled up about Roe v. Wade, but we haven’t been involved much. I want my children to be part of the political process. How can we get our interest back? -- Political Burnout DEAR POLITICAL BURNOUT: Many people have gotten worn out by the intensity of politics in the past few years, regardless of their political affiliation. But the beauty and gift of the United States is that we do have the right to talk about and engage in the political system. This is not true in some parts of the world. Get creative to get back in the game. You may want to look at the international headlines and encourage your children to learn about governments in other parts of the world. Compare their rights to ours. Look at the issues we share with other countries and those that are different. Pay attention on a local level. Invite your kids to go with you to city council meetings and other local political events so that they can learn about how government works where you live. Research local and national organizations that align with your values, and consider joining. You do not have to be glued to the television, agonizing over the daily headlines. Get involved.
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