life

Woman Who Suspects Abuse Should Resist Accusations

Dear Abby by by Abigail Van Buren
by Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby | October 8th, 2014 | Letter 1 of 2

DEAR ABBY: When I was 10, I faked an injury so I could quit playing soccer. I couldn't articulate why the coach, who was clean-cut, friendly and fair, made me uneasy. After he died a few years ago, it came out that he had molested dozens of girls.

Over the subsequent 20 years, those same instincts have screamed at me three more times -- and twice I was proven correct. The third man to set off this alarm is in my social circle, along with his wife. Several of the couples in our group are starting families.

I feel like I'm in a terrible position. Should I say something and risk destroying an innocent man's reputation and the group dynamic, or remain silent and risk the kids being around a predator? I don't have a shred of evidence, just a gut-punch feeling.

I never said anything about the prior abusers, but I don't sleep well wondering if I should have -- even if it was based solely on a sixth sense. What should I do? -- NOSE LIKE A BLOODHOUND

DEAR NOSE: Child molesters belong to every race, both sexes, and come in various age ranges. The problem with criminals of every sort -- child abusers and con men included -- is they look like the rest of us.

I'm sorry you're having sleep problems, but the solution to them is not to accuse someone about whom you have no proof. To falsely accuse him could destroy both of you, and I don't recommend it.

AbuseFriends & NeighborsHealth & Safety
life

Wife Fears Consequences Of Asking For A Divorce

Dear Abby by by Abigail Van Buren
by Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby | October 8th, 2014 | Letter 2 of 2

DEAR ABBY: I'm struggling in my marriage. I have asked my husband to treat me as an equal, but it falls on deaf ears. I work part-time, attend school full-time and care for our two children, basically on my own. I pay for almost everything. If I'm broke, he'll pay one of the smaller bills.

He refuses to help with any of the housework, and he has the freedom to go when and where he pleases. I'm only allowed to go to school or work; otherwise I must take the kids with me. He's very controlling and, in the past, when I have threatened to leave, he said he would kill himself. He is verbally and emotionally abusive.

I no longer love him and want a divorce, but I'm scared of what he'll do if I ask for one. I don't know what he is capable of. The stress has taken a toll on me. I'm depressed, angry and bitter. I wish the kids and I could simply disappear, but that's not an option, nor healthy.

Is there an easy way to ask for a divorce, or somewhere I could turn for help? Is there financial help where someone could help pay for a divorce? -- WANTS TO DISAPPEAR

DEAR WANTS TO DISAPPEAR: There is no easy way to ask a spouse for a divorce, particularly one who is controlling and verbally abusive. If you are worried about him killing himself, please don't. From your description, he is too selfish and self-centered ever to do that.

Because I know of no individuals or organizations that pay for people's divorces, talk to your family and see if one or more of your close relatives is willing to help. However, if you are afraid that your husband might harm you, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The phone number is 800-799-7233. Its counselors can help you form an exit strategy.

Marriage & DivorceAbuseMoney
life

Mom Gets Great Pleasure From a Well-Made Bed

Dear Abby by by Abigail Van Buren
by Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby | October 7th, 2014 | Letter 1 of 3

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have four great kids. They are well-behaved, respectful and full of fun. Hubby and I are having a disagreement concerning them, however.

I am an admitted "bed snob." I make every bed in the house every day, just the way I want them done. It makes me crazy when my husband insists that the kids do it themselves.

Our kids have homework, daily chores they alternate (cleaning the kitchen after dinner, doing laundry, etc.), as well as what we call "Chore Day Sunday," which is a family affair when everyone has a list of larger chores to complete. The kids know how to make their beds because I have taught them, and I feel that insisting they make their beds daily, too, is silly.

I enjoy doing this small thing. Am I crazy or is he overreacting? -- HOMEMAKER IN GEORGIA

DEAR HOMEMAKER: You're not crazy. I'd be curious to know why your husband feels so strongly about this, particularly since the kids know how to make their beds and you have made clear that you do it because you enjoy it. Having their beds made for them won't scar your offspring for life, so ask "Hubby" to indulge you by letting it go and not creating a problem where one doesn't exist.

Family & Parenting
life

Topless Tour Gets Poor Review From Girls' Grandmother

Dear Abby by by Abigail Van Buren
by Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby | October 7th, 2014 | Letter 2 of 3

DEAR ABBY: Two of my granddaughters have posted pictures on Instagram that show them facing away from the camera with their bottoms covered and their tops nude. They said this is part of the "Topless Tour." They said it's no big deal because it only shows their back and "everyone does it." I feel it is inappropriate to post something like this on social media. Will you please share your opinion? -- GRANDMA IN UTAH

DEAR GRANDMA: I think it's unwise, but the times they are a-changin' and along with them, the current fads. The Topless Tour -- photos of topless women shot from the rear in a scenic location and posted on social media -- is just another one of them. Calm down and thank your higher power that this fad is tame. At one point, people were lowering their pants and "mooning" passing trains and cars.

Etiquette & EthicsHealth & Safety
life

Nurse Smitten By Co-Worker Should Take It Slow

Dear Abby by by Abigail Van Buren
by Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby | October 7th, 2014 | Letter 3 of 3

DEAR ABBY: What kind of advice do you have for a guy who is falling in love with a co-worker? We are nurses in a fast-paced intensive care unit. We greatly depend on each other to provide patient care and emotional support. There are so many reasons I want to tell her how I feel, but the fear of messing things up with her scares me. -- R.N. WITH A SECRET

DEAR R.N.: Not knowing what the policy at your hospital is regarding workplace romances, you'd be wise to start slowly. I assume you see her outside the ICU. A way to start would be to ask her to join you for lunch, coffee, or a drink and "quick dinner" after work. If she says yes, it means she could be interested in you, too. If not -- perhaps because she's already involved with someone -- you won't be embarrassed.

Love & DatingWork & School
life

Office Trainer Seeks Right Way to Dress-Down Code Violators

Dear Abby by by Abigail Van Buren
by Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby | October 6th, 2014 | Letter 1 of 2

DEAR ABBY: I am a male in the training department at my office. A lot of times, because the people I train are new hires, there are dress code violations from people who appear to be testing the limits. Most of the violations involve women who wear clothing that's too revealing, in spite of the fact they receive a document at the start of training explaining what is and is not appropriate attire.

I feel uncomfortable addressing dress code issues with the opposite sex. I have always asked a female in the department to do it for me. My problem is, my manager has told me I need to be able to deal with issues like this if I want to move forward in my career.

My question to you and your readers is, as a woman, would you feel more uncomfortable with a male boss addressing a "too much cleavage" or "skirt too short" issue than you would with another female? And have you any suggestions for wording in these situations? -- DRESSED FOR SUCCESS IN VIRGINIA

DEAR DRESSED FOR SUCCESS: Speaking for myself, I think I'd prefer to hear that message from another woman -- however, my preference is beside the point. You have a job to do, and that is to enforce the rules of your company. So when you tell a female employee that she's not complying with the dress code, use the wording in the employee handbook or the document the person received when she was hired. (Hopefully, the wording is specific.)

Work & SchoolSex & Gender
life

Throwing Your Own Retirement Party Is Perfectly Acceptable

Dear Abby by by Abigail Van Buren
by Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby | October 6th, 2014 | Letter 2 of 2

DEAR ABBY: I have a question about where and when to have a retirement party. I know it's inappropriate for families to host a baby shower, but is that true of a retirement party?

My husband has worked for a nonprofit for 14 years and will retire in a few months. There isn't an appropriate site for a party at his work. I have suggested an open house at our home a couple of weeks after his retirement date. My daughter thinks her house would be better because we are not supposed to have it.

My son-in-law dislikes entertaining at home, so I know it would be stressful for them. If we have it at our house, we can encourage friends and co-workers to come over again and stay in touch. I love to entertain and would happily prepare the food and decorate. Am I on the right track, Abby? -- HAPPY THAT HUBBY'S RETIRING

DEAR HAPPY: You're absolutely on the right track. No rule of etiquette forbids you from hosting the party for your husband if you wish.

According to Emily Post: "A retirement party may ... be given by family and friends instead of -- or in addition to -- a company party. It's generally a good idea to invite a few of the retiree's close work mates. Because they share a work history with the retiree, they'll be able to speak of specific accomplishments in any speeches and toasts."

Holidays & CelebrationsEtiquette & Ethics

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