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Parents and In-Laws Break Promise to Visit Toddler
1 year ago•Source: Chicago Sun-Times
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2.905 min•1 year ago
Family Rift: Brother Seeks Reconciliation After Estate Scam
In an advice column, R. Eric Thomas addresses a situation where a man named Tom is dealing with his brother, Dick, who has mismanaged and misappropriated funds from their late parents' estate. Dick, as executor, has paid himself excessively and undervalued estate assets to Tom. Despite Tom's desire to maintain their relationship, he is forced to take legal action to remove Dick as executor and recover funds. Thomas advises supporting Tom by affirming his decisions and assisting with legal proceedings, while acknowledging the emotional complexity of the sibling relationship.
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More Advice Column Stories
Ask Amy: Navigating the Line Between Humor and Hurt in a Partner's Jokes
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Mercury News
A reader is questioning whether they are too sensitive after being hurt by their partner's insulting jokes, and a professional comedian consulted by advice columnist Amy suggests that the partner is being annoying and not considering the reader's feelings. In another letter, a grieving pet owner suggests making donations to pet rescues in lieu of sending flowers to those mourning a pet, which Amy endorses as a thoughtful gesture. Additionally, a recommendation is made for using Meetup.com to find local groups and make new friends, which Amy confirms as a great idea.
Ask Amy: Navigating the Fine Line Between Humor and Hurt in Relationships
Originally Published 2 years ago — by MLive.com
In the "Ask Amy" advice column, a reader expresses frustration with their partner's mean-spirited jokes, such as calling them an "old bag," which the partner believes to be funny. Amy consults comedian Josh Gondelman, who explains that humor at someone's expense is only funny if the audience (in this case, the partner) is amused. Since the reader is not, the joke is a failure. Gondelman suggests that the partner is being annoying and not considering the reader's feelings. Amy advises the reader to reassess their sensitivities, share the comedian's perspective with their partner, and disengage while the partner rethinks their approach to humor.
"Venturing Beyond My Type: A Cautionary Tale of Mismatched Romance"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Slate
A pansexual woman is contemplating ending her relationship with her non-binary partner due to a lack of sexual attraction, despite their conventional attractiveness and success. She feels guilty because they are kind and consider her their ideal type. The advice given suggests that sexual incompatibility is a valid reason to leave a relationship and encourages an honest conversation with the partner about her feelings and potential solutions, such as opening up the relationship or amicably splitting. The importance of handling the situation ethically and kindly is emphasized to maintain her self-image.
"Managing Anxiety While Awaiting Help: Insights from Carolyn Hax"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Washington Post
An individual struggling with heightened anxiety due to life changes and self-medication seeks advice on managing their condition before professional help becomes available in a month. Carolyn Hax suggests immediate actions such as consulting a primary care doctor, seeking support from friends or family, engaging in free self-care activities, checking for employee assistance programs, joining support groups, and streamlining tasks to reduce stress. Readers also contribute by recommending checking vitamin D levels, being open about potential substance use, and educating oneself about anxiety management.
"Dear Prudence: The Paradox of Cringing at Kind Words from My Spouse"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Slate
A person struggles with expressing and receiving affection due to a past devoid of love and abusive relationships, despite having a loving husband. They feel insincere and uncomfortable with affectionate gestures and seek advice on how to overcome this barrier. The advice given includes having an open conversation with the husband, expressing love in a straightforward manner, understanding each other's needs, and considering therapy to address intimacy issues and fears.
"Managing Unexpected Visits from Aging Parents with Grace"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Washington Post
An individual struggles with setting boundaries for their elderly parents' unannounced visits and seeks advice on how to say no without feeling guilty. Another person grapples with the decision of holding a funeral or memorial service for their wife with dementia, whose family and friends have been largely absent. Advice is given to articulate and maintain boundaries kindly and to consider a service as a healing opportunity and a celebration of life for those who may not have been present during the illness.
"In-Laws Weaponize Grandchildren in Family Feud"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Slate
A woman seeks advice from Dear Prudence on how to handle her in-laws' passive-aggressive comments about her children and husband. The in-laws make gendered remarks implying disappointment in their son and use the grandchildren to express these sentiments. Prudence advises setting clear boundaries and directly addressing the inappropriate comments. Additionally, Prudence responds to another person struggling with feelings for an ex who is now married, suggesting they move on and create a life without him. Lastly, Prudence advises someone on how to manage care for estranged, aging parents, recommending support without compromising one's own well-being.
"Ask Amy: Inheritance Concerns Amid Father's Long Absence from Wife"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by MLive.com
A person, Bee, reached out to their estranged father during a security clearance process and discovered he's been separated from his wife for over six years without intending to divorce. Bee is concerned about future legal complications regarding inheritance and is contemplating contacting the estranged wife to understand her perspective. Amy Dickinson advises Bee to encourage their father to engage in estate planning and to research inheritance laws before deciding whether to involve the estranged wife, suggesting a cautious approach to avoid entanglement in the complex situation.
"Seeking Closure: Only Child Reaches Out to Estranged Father's Mystery Spouse"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by OregonLive
An only child, Bee, is considering reaching out to their estranged father's "theoretical" wife due to concerns about future legal complications with inheritance and estate planning. Bee's father has been married but out of contact with his wife for over six years and shows no interest in divorce. Bee is conflicted about whether to get involved or not, seeking advice from Amy on whether to pursue contact with the estranged wife for clarity on the situation. Amy suggests that Bee should first understand the inheritance laws and encourage their father to engage in estate planning before deciding to contact the wife.
"Living Under My Husband's Control: A Personal Struggle"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by New York Post
A woman writes to Dear Abby about her controlling husband who restricts her interactions with friends and family, prioritizing himself over her children from a previous marriage. Abby advises seeking legal counsel to consider divorce. Another reader asks for advice on dealing with a sister-in-law's defensive attitude and poor parenting, to which Abby suggests refraining from giving advice unless there's physical abuse, which should be reported. Abby also extends New Year wishes to her readers, hoping for a less stressful year ahead.