A woman wrote to Dear Abby expressing her confusion about her mother’s decision to keep her ex-husband’s last name, despite knowing that he sexually abused her and her sister while they were children. The mother stayed married to the abuser for years after being informed of the abuse. The woman, who now takes care of her mother who has dementia, is struggling with feelings of anger, sadness, and damage caused by the abuse. She wonders if she is being too sensitive in dealing with these emotions.
Dear Abby responded to the woman by acknowledging the normalcy of her feelings given the circumstances. She commended the woman for taking care of her mother despite her mother not protecting her from abuse. Abby recommended that the woman seek counseling, as it could greatly benefit her in dealing with the trauma of sexual abuse. She suggested contacting RAINN, the national sexual assault hotline, for help and support.
Another letter to Dear Abby came from a pregnant woman who was upset because her partner chose not to accompany her on a trip to Mexico for her cousin’s wedding. The woman’s partner, Gabriel, opted to attend his friend’s wedding instead. The woman had assumed that Gabriel would want to be protective and supportive during the trip, especially since she would be five months pregnant at the time. She was disappointed and felt that Gabriel was prioritizing his friend over their unborn child.
Dear Abby advised the pregnant woman to see her partner’s actions as a reflection of his priorities and character. She warned the woman to consider how Gabriel’s behavior in this situation might indicate his capabilities as a future husband and father. Despite Gabriel’s decision not to accompany her, Abby assured the woman that as long as she was medically cleared to travel and had family around her, she should be safe during the trip.
In conclusion, Dear Abby offered advice to two women dealing with difficult situations. The first woman had experienced sexual abuse as a child and struggled with her mother’s decision to stay married to the abuser. Abby encouraged her to seek counseling and provided resources for support. The second woman was disappointed by her partner’s decision to prioritize his friend’s wedding over accompanying her to a family event in Mexico. Abby cautioned her to consider how her partner’s behavior might impact their future relationship. Ultimately, Dear Abby provided guidance and support to help both women navigate their challenging circumstances.
