The first letter to Dear Abby describes a woman who is in a relationship with a man who is 18 years younger than her. She is going through menopause and experiencing side effects, but her boyfriend has found another girl. Despite his promise that it was supposed to be just for sex and he wouldn’t get into another relationship, he fell for the new girl. The woman is allowing them to stay in her apartment, but he is now mean to her and treats the other girl better. She is struggling to please him and wonders if she should continue trying or give up on the relationship.
In response, Abby questions what the woman is getting out of the situation besides pain. She advises her to find her self-respect, realize that the respect and gratitude from her boyfriend are gone, and usher the two out of her apartment for her own sake. Abby suggests that the pain will only end when she takes action and removes herself from the unhealthy dynamic.
The second letter describes a person who is very outgoing and has noticed that many people lack personality and conversational skills. They are concerned that humanity is doomed if people don’t interact, especially in a world where people are increasingly fixated on electronic devices. The disruption caused by the pandemic has worsened this issue, but it had been building for years.
Abby acknowledges that the ability to look someone in the eye and communicate in person has declined as people rely more on technology. She suggests that to combat loneliness and isolation, people need to unplug and make an effort to reach out to those around them. Simple social interactions like smiling and saying good morning are a good place to start in rebuilding social connections and avoiding further isolation.
Overall, the letters to Dear Abby highlight issues related to failing relationships, lack of communication skills, and the impact of technology on human interaction. Abby’s responses emphasize the importance of self-respect, communication, and reaching out to others to combat loneliness and foster healthier relationships. The letters serve as a reminder of the need for human connection and the value of basic social interactions.
