A concerned brother writing to advice columnist Dear Abby is seeking guidance on how to handle his sister, who has become a “crazy cat lady” and refuses to move into assisted living because she doesn’t want to give up her cats. The sister’s home smells strongly of cat odor, and despite her insistence that it doesn’t stink, the brother and his wife struggle with the smell and have to spray air freshener before entering. Additionally, the sister’s children have abandoned her, leaving the brother and his wife to hire people to help care for her. This lack of support from her family has caused tension and led the brother to seek advice on how to handle the situation.
Dear Abby advises the brother to consider taking care of his sister until her passing, as it seems there are no alternatives. She also points out that the son’s failure to help care for his mother could potentially be considered elder abuse. Abby suggests exploring assisted living options that allow pets, as this may make the sister more open to moving. She also recommends discussing the situation with an attorney and adult protective services for further guidance on how to handle the sister’s needs given the lack of support from her family.
Another reader writes to Dear Abby seeking advice on how to handle a friend who frequently visits their home, staying for extended periods of time and using their resources without offering to reciprocate. The reader’s husband doesn’t understand their concerns, and the visits are causing the reader anxiety from constantly hosting and entertaining. Abby recommends communicating openly with the husband about the issue and setting boundaries for future visits. If the husband doesn’t cooperate, she suggests planning a vacation during the next visit to show him the impact of the friend’s frequent visits.
Ultimately, Abby advises the reader to prioritize their own well-being and not allow themselves to be taken advantage of by their friend. She suggests taking action to protect their own mental health and well-being, even if it means stepping back from the friendship temporarily. Abby emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and communicating openly with their husband about the impact of the friend’s frequent visits on their life and well-being.
In conclusion, Dear Abby offers practical advice to readers struggling with challenging relationships and family dynamics. From dealing with difficult family members to setting boundaries with friends who may take advantage, she encourages open communication, setting boundaries, and prioritizing one’s own well-being. Abby’s guidance emphasizes the importance of self-care and advocating for one’s needs in relationships, even when faced with challenging situations. The columns serve as a source of support and advice for readers navigating complex interpersonal dynamics and seeking guidance on how to handle challenging relationships in their lives.
