Dear Abby - The Sumter Item

Disease prognosis doesn't dampen enjoyment of life

DEAR ABBY - I was recently diagnosed with a progressive disease for which there is no cure. It will affect me physically and mentally as I age. For now, I'm treating the symptoms and trying to minimize their effect on my day-to-day life. But this is … more

2/20/24 06:00 AM

Efforts to connect with fiance's family are failing

DEAR ABBY - I am engaged to an amazing guy. We have been together a little more than two years. During our first year, his family was great to me. They acted as if they liked me. However, things have changed. When my fiance and I are around them, … more

2/16/24 06:00 AM

Boy's poor eating habits frustrate his grandparent

DEAR ABBY - I have a close relationship with my grandchildren and their parents. My 12-year-old grandson eats nothing except fast food and refuses everything else. His parents allow it and even have food delivered for him. His 8-year-old sister … more

2/15/24 06:00 AM

Mother can't understand why son has walked away

DEAR ABBY - I've always been close to my children, but now that they are adults, it seems I'm losing my connection with one of them. He married a girl of a different race, and while that doesn't bother me, I have a strong hunch she's the reason he … more

2/14/24 06:00 AM

Cash gift from in-law wounds husband's pride

DEAR ABBY - My sister-in-law on my wife's side stayed a week and a half with us in Florida. I love her very much, and we all had a lovely visit. She's stayed with us before, alone and with my brother-in-law. We welcome them with open arms. Family … more

2/13/24 06:00 AM

Fiance's difficult mom puts crimp in relationship

DEAR ABBY - I love my fiance, but his mother says, "Over my dead body will he move away from me." She has cancer and we have both been praying that she goes peacefully, but it seems all she wants to do is create as much strife as possible between my … more

2/9/24 06:00 AM

Child-rearing philosophies clash in new relationship

DEAR ABBY - I have been in a relationship for more than a year. We met at the gym. We have similar interests and are both normally caring and loving to each other. We also have similar senses of humor. We moved in together too quickly, after only … more

2/8/24 06:00 AM

Woman's mental health deteriorating due to affair

DEAR ABBY - I have been involved with a married man for the last five years. He lied to me about his status. He told me that a woman he'd had a 15-year relationship with had left him. I recently learned he has been with her for more than 30 years, … more

2/7/24 06:00 AM

Husband's drug abuse may be grounds for divorce

DEAR ABBY - My husband and I have been married for three years, together for eight. We have two kids together. Over the last year, he has changed a lot and has treated me very badly. He's always frustrated with me, accusing me of not caring about … more

2/6/24 06:00 AM

Ex-wife uses gifts to disrupt visitation time with child

DEAR ABBY - My ex has primary custody of our young daughter, "Kayli," and is with her 99% of the time. I have Kayli every other weekend. Her mom has been dropping her off with a bag filled with wrapped presents. These presents are marked by day and … more

2/2/24 06:00 AM

Friend consistently flakes out on social engagements

DEAR ABBY - I'm a widow. I have a friend I'll call "Greta," whom I have known since high school. I was very shy back then. She was more outgoing, but our group of friends was small. Over the years, I have become more outgoing, while Greta seems to … more

2/1/24 06:00 AM

Wife finds it difficult to accept husband's past

DEAR ABBY - After 17 years of marriage, I learned, to my dismay, that when he was 22, my husband had a long-term relationship with a 16-year-old. He insisted that she had lied about her age and told him she was 20. But even after finding out her … more

1/31/24 06:00 AM

Son's choices as grown-up draw fire from his father

DEAR ABBY - I am the father of an adult son, "Kirk," who is in a relationship with a younger woman who has a young child. Neither is well educated, but they both have decent jobs. Kirk has a teenage daughter who is getting ready for college in … more

1/30/24 06:00 AM

Stepmom is sickened by her stepson's crimes

DEAR ABBY - My 30-year-old stepson, "David," is a convicted sex offender, currently serving a 15-year sentence for possession of child pornography and having inappropriate conversations with a preteen that almost went further. This was his third … more

1/26/24 06:00 AM

Son's girlfriend may miss out on senior tradition

DEAR ABBY - My son, who is in his senior year of high school, is dating a beautiful, sweet girl I'll call "Amanda." I'm very fond of her. This is an exciting year for them both because soon she will be shopping for her graduation gown. Amanda told … more

1/25/24 06:00 AM

Wife in unhappy marriage fantasizes about friend

DEAR ABBY - I am an unhappily married woman with young children. I'm attracted to a friend of mine and my husband's, but he's also married. He's a bit older, and I can't tell for sure if he has feelings for me, but sometimes I suspect it. He has … more

1/24/24 06:00 AM

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