A man in California writes to Dear Abby seeking advice about his marriage of five years. His wife recently admitted to having a long-term romantic affair with a married man and was waiting for him to leave his wife so they could be together. After this revelation, the wife became critically ill and requires 24-hour care. The husband is torn between his love for his wife and the betrayal he feels. He is also concerned that his wife may still be in contact with her lover, and he is unsure of what to do next. Dear Abby advises the man that there can be no marriage without trust and suggests discussing his options with an attorney to understand his responsibilities if he decides to divorce his wife.
Another reader writes to Dear Abby expressing concern for her 11-year-old grandson, Lucas. The grandmother and Lucas have a close relationship, and he used to live with her while his mother was in rehab. Now, Lucas is back living with his mother, who plans to move 40 minutes away and transfer him to a new school. The grandmother is worried about Lucas starting over at a new school, especially since he has strong connections in his current environment. Dear Abby advises the grandmother to try to convince her daughter to allow Lucas to stay with her to maintain his social connections, but ultimately, she may have to let him go if that is not possible.
Dear Abby is a column written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Readers write to Dear Abby seeking advice on various personal issues, and Abby provides guidance and support based on her years of experience. In the case of the man in California dealing with his wife’s affair and illness, Abby emphasizes the importance of trust in a marriage and encourages the man to seek legal counsel to understand his options.
In the situation with the grandmother and her grandson, Lucas, Abby acknowledges the grandmother’s concern for Lucas’s well-being and social connections. She advises the grandmother to advocate for Lucas to stay with her if possible to avoid disrupting his life during a crucial time in his development. Abby recognizes the grandmother’s love and care for Lucas and encourages her to take action to support him during this challenging transition.
Ultimately, Dear Abby’s column serves as a platform for readers to seek advice and guidance on personal matters. Abby provides thoughtful and practical suggestions to help people navigate difficult situations and make informed decisions. Whether it’s dealing with marital infidelity and illness or supporting a grandchild through a school transfer, Abby offers compassion and wisdom to her readers to help them find solutions to their problems.
