Columnist Abigail Van Buren, known as Dear Abby, recently addressed two distinct reader concerns: one involving a serious health diagnosis and family dynamics, and another concerning a potential financial scam.
In the first letter, a reader identified as "Guilty in Washington" shared their struggle with a recent cancer diagnosis. While doctors expect a cure due to early detection, the reader is concerned about how to manage their relationship with their 100-year-old mother. The mother, though frail, is described as mentally sharp and has been requesting the reader's help, which the reader cannot provide due to a compromised immune system. The writer wishes to avoid burdening their mother with the diagnosis, fearing it might cause undue distress, yet feels guilty about their absence and the perception of letting their mother down.
Dear Abby advised "Guilty" to inform their mother about the need to avoid travel due to a low immune system, without necessarily disclosing the word "cancer" unless pressed. Van Buren suggested that withholding the truth might be infantilizing their mother, especially if she remains mentally astute. The columnist wrote, "You are a loving daughter, but you may be infantilizing your mother by keeping this from her."
The column also featured a reader from Georgia who suspected an attempted scam at a major department store. The reader was approached by a young man and a jewelry department clerk who asked if they would use their store card to purchase jewelry, offering cash in return. The store card was required for a significant discount, and the clerk indicated the man had been denied his own card. When the reader declined, citing discomfort, they were reassured the cash would be exchanged immediately.
Reflecting on the incident, the reader considered the risks, such as the possibility of the jewelry being returned using a receipt that would bear the reader's card information. They questioned whether they were being overly cautious.
Dear Abby responded by emphasizing the importance of vigilance in such situations. "These people were engaged either in money laundering or in credit card fraud," Van Buren stated. "You did the right thing by listening to your intuition. You are blessed with it for a reason."