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Pain at Intimacy: A Couple’s Struggle with Vaginal Dryness
2 days ago•Source: Slate
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21.69 min•9 days ago
Husband abandons family, seeks control over breakup narrative
A reader writes Carolyn Hax about a husband who left after 12 years of marriage and 16 years together, saying he isn’t in love with anyone but wants a break from parenting and to control how the breakup is described. The columnist advises setting boundaries, focusing on the children’s well-being, and not letting the husband dictate the narrative while she plans her next steps.
13.38 min•15 days ago
Breaking the Cycle: A Survivor’s Plea to Escape a Toxic Family
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Ex-wife's flirting rattles a blended family, Carolyn Hax counsels
The Washington Post•1 month ago
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Pizza-Driven Etiquette: Miss Manners weighs in on a St. Patrick’s Day dinner upset
A St. Patrick’s Day dinner planned around corned beef and cabbage is upended when relatives plan pizza, prompting the offended sister‑in‑law to cancel the gathering and leaving Miss Manners to weigh etiquette on accommodating differing tastes while preserving family harmony.
Realism that stings: teaching hope without killing joy
A Washington Post advice column discusses a reader’s question about how to teach kids not to get their hopes up. A mother aims to be a realist, warning against disappointment, but her children read it as “sucking the joy out of everything.” The piece highlights the challenge of balancing grounded expectations with encouragement, suggesting parents can acknowledge hurt while leaving space for hope.
Grandfather seeks guidance on an unmotivated, enabled grandson
A grandfather asks for guidance as his 26-year-old grandson, who earned a master’s degree but has never held a job, stays up all night gaming and shows little motivation to work, while his mother (the daughter) cushions him; he wants practical boundary-setting advice to stop enabling him.
Expecting mom’s vaccine rules for visitors spark family clash, Abby advises boundaries
A pregnant woman asks whether visitors should be up-to-date on vaccines as her doctor recommended; some relatives resist and prefer testing or masking, leaving her stressed and resentful. Dear Abby says to prioritize the baby’s safety, follow medical guidance, and set clear boundaries (even distancing for the first three months) if family won’t respect wishes, and to consider family therapy for ongoing family tensions.
Miss Manners: Tactful steps to address coworkers’ table manners
A reader asks how to handle 20-something coworkers’ manners at team meals. Miss Manners advises avoiding public shaming, suggesting discreet feedback or leading by example to address etiquette concerns without creating embarrassment.
Car obsession tests a couple’s time together; readers weigh in
Carolyn Hax’s readers weigh in on a letter about a husband who loves cars so much it crowds out couple time; while the writer is glad he has a passion, she wants more shared moments and clearer boundaries, and commenters offer strategies for balancing hobbies with the relationship, such as scheduling time together, communicating needs, and finding ways to involve the hobby without sidelining the partnership.
Cancer Survivor Faces Ongoing Depression, Rejects 'Getting Over It'
A woman diagnosed with breast cancer expresses her feelings of depression and frustration over societal expectations to 'get over' her diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging complex emotions during recovery. Annie Lane advises that feeling conflicted is normal and encourages honest communication and self-compassion. The column also touches on a separate story of a man dealing with his wife's decision to divorce after years of caregiving, highlighting the importance of understanding long-term emotional buildup and seeking support.
Woman Celebrates Cancer Remission but Struggles with Survivor Identity
A woman who has recently completed cancer treatment feels conflicted about being labeled a 'survivor' due to ongoing side effects and emotional struggles. She expresses frustration over societal expectations to feel triumphant and the difficulty in discussing her true feelings, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging all human emotions during recovery. The advice highlights that healing is a process, and feeling vulnerable or conflicted does not negate one's resilience or status as a survivor.
Casual Friendship Strains Under Medical Challenges
A woman who has been helping a friend with medical and transportation needs for over 20 years is seeking advice on how to set boundaries and stop being so involved, recognizing that her role has shifted from friendship to caretaking and it's become too burdensome. The advice suggests gently ending her assistance, encouraging the friend to rely on family and professional services, and prioritizing her own well-being.
Colleague's Dishonesty Revealed to Boss
A reader seeks advice on workplace honesty after revealing a coworker's secret about a new job, struggles with past memories causing regret, and questions church etiquette about crossing legs during Mass. Dear Abby emphasizes loyalty to the company, suggests redirecting thoughts for past regrets, and notes cultural differences in church posture.