In a recent column, Dear Abby addressed a reader's concerns about his fiancée's secret meetings with a male attorney who harbors romantic feelings for her. The 63-year-old man, identified as 'Simmering Suspicion in Florida,' has been exclusively dating his fiancée for four years and discovered she has been meeting her attorney for lunches, dinners, and other activities without his knowledge.
The fiancée claims the meetings are purely platonic, but the reader's trust has been damaged by her dishonesty of omission. Dear Abby, penned by Jeanne Phillips, advised that an engaged woman should not be spending time alone with another man who has expressed romantic interest. The columnist emphasized that the situation is significant, especially given the fiancée's attempts to downplay it, and warned that proceeding with the wedding could lead to future legal complications for the reader.
Another reader, 'Done in Montana,' sought advice regarding her husband's 56-year-old brother, 'Clay,' who has lived with the couple for 10 years. Clay has a history of erratic behavior due to PCP use dating back to 1987. The reader described her living situation as a "daily living hell," citing Clay's dishonesty, theft, unhygienic habits, and expectation that she perform all household tasks.
Despite the reader's desire for a divorce, her husband refuses to place Clay in an assisted living facility or mental institution. The reader expressed her love for her husband but stated she would not tolerate the disrespect. Dear Abby advised that if the reader is considering divorce, she should clearly communicate this to her husband and offer him a final opportunity to make alternative arrangements for his brother. The columnist stated that if the husband continues to prioritize Clay's comfort over his wife's, the marriage is likely over.
The column also featured a letter from a young person in South Korea who is questioning their sexual orientation. The writer, 'Not Straight in Seoul,' expressed fear of mockery from friends if they reveal their attraction to other boys. Dear Abby advised that it is acceptable to wait to come out if the individual does not feel safe or comfortable doing so, suggesting a focus on studies to facilitate future opportunities. The column also provided a resource, Dding Dong (ddingdong.kr), for finding LGBTQ+ support outside of school.