In her latest column, Dear Abby, also known as Jeanne Phillips, addresses two reader letters offering guidance on marital intimacy and neighborly appreciation.
One letter, from a reader identified as "Frustrated in Michigan," details a decade-long marriage where sexual intimacy has been a point of contention. The writer states that while they and their wife had communication and attempted to improve their sex life early in their marriage, the situation has worsened significantly in the past two years, following the wife's weight-loss surgery. The reader notes that prior to the surgery, their wife had cited weight as a potential factor in her low sex drive, leading the writer to hope for improvement. However, intimacy has become rare, and communication on the topic has ceased. The frustrated husband notes, "men want to be wanted, too." Dear Abby suggests that the reader discuss the issue with his wife and seek a referral to an endocrinologist to explore potential hormonal causes. If the wife refuses such a consultation, Abby states that unless the reader is resigned to a sexless marriage, he may need to consider divorce.
Another letter comes from "Awkward Gifter in New York," who seeks advice on how to express gratitude to a former next-door neighbor. The neighbor has assisted the couple on multiple occasions, including checking on their cats, collecting packages, and tending to their garden while the couple has been away on extended trips. The writer feels awkward asking for help and wants to offer a gift that is not transactional. Dear Abby suggests options such as taking the neighbor and her boyfriend out for a nice dinner, hosting them at their home, offering tickets to a concert or play, or bringing back a gift from the couple's travels. Abby believes any thoughtful gesture will be appreciated.
Dear Abby was founded by Pauline Phillips and is now written by her daughter, Abigail Van Buren (Jeanne Phillips). The column is syndicated and offers advice on a variety of personal and relationship issues.