Columnist Dear Abby, also known as Jeanne Phillips, recently addressed a variety of reader concerns, including a parent's distress over a child-free wedding, a reader's feelings about a friend's ostentatious social media posts, and a grandparent's dilemma about sharing divorce news.
In one letter, a parent identified as "Wedding Woes in Canada" expressed devastation that their youngest son and his fiancée have opted for a child-free wedding reception. The couple has asked for grandchildren, aged 3 to 7, to be part of the wedding party as flower girls and ring bearer, but they are not invited to the subsequent sit-down meal, reception, and dance. The parents are expected to provide their own babysitters.
The letter writer stated that they and their husband are close to their grandchildren and had requested their inclusion in the reception, but the bride and groom declined. The couple has also banned babies of any age, though their dog is included in the wedding party. The letter writer admitted to feeling resentful and tearful.
Dear Abby advised "Wedding Woes" to show love and respect for the couple by accepting their wishes. "This day is for the bride and groom," Abby wrote. "They are planning the celebration they want, and that includes a reception they’ve deemed inappropriate for kids. Show your love and respect for them by leaving your expectations — and your grandchildren — at the hotel."
Another reader, "Flipping Mad in Texas," confessed to feeling jealous and finding it insensitive when an acquaintance posted photos of their newly built mansion, from the initial groundbreaking to the finished product, including a large pool.
Dear Abby responded by suggesting the reader's "ego is bruised" but that the acquaintance's actions were not rude. "Perhaps if you start counting the blessings you have in your own life, you can combat the green-eyed monster you have been feeding," Abby advised.
A third letter writer, "Making a Change in Florida," sought advice on when to tell their two older grandchildren about their impending divorce. The divorce is in its early stages, and the family home is expected to be sold in about a year and a half, with the daughter and grandchildren residing there.
Dear Abby suggested that the daughter should be informed first, as she will need time to find a new home for herself and her children. "When to share the news of the divorce with her children should be her decision," Abby stated, adding that a year and a half provides ample time for preparation. The column concluded with well wishes for an amicable divorce.
Dear Abby was founded by Pauline Phillips and is currently written by her daughter, Abigail Van Buren (Jeanne Phillips).