The first letter in this advice column comes from a single man in his 40s who is looking to find a wife who has never been married and has no kids. He expresses frustration with the typical dating websites as most women he meets are divorced, widowed, or have children. He considers joining a new dating website specifically for single, never married people and seeks advice on whether or not to proceed. The response encourages him to explore this new platform but warns him to take the necessary precautions that come with online dating. The columnist suggests that he may encounter younger women on this site and wishes him luck in his search.
The second letter is from a person who grew up in a family filled with drama, fights, and gossip and made a vow to create a better environment for their own family. They discuss their struggle to maintain a relationship with their family while keeping themselves and their children distanced from the drama. The response validates the idea of protecting one’s children from harmful environments but also suggests that exposing them to some family drama can be a teachable moment. It encourages the letter writer to use their relatives as a “bad example” and showcase better behavior within their own family.
The third letter tells a story of a friendly neighbor in her late 70s who abruptly ended a visit over a disagreement. The writer is confused about the situation and unsure of how to proceed, particularly with the gift and homemade cookies the neighbor brought over. The response expresses sadness over the abrupt end to the relationship and suggests returning the unopened gift and cookies as a way to maintain boundaries now that the neighbor has stopped communicating.
The column concludes with a brief note about the columnist, Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and a mention of the column’s history. The contact information for Dear Abby is provided for individuals who may wish to submit their own questions or seek advice. Each letter in the column addresses a different situation involving relationships and communication, highlighting the complexities that can arise in human interactions.
