life

Man Facing Second Divorce Mulls Reunion With First Wife

Dear Abby by by Abigail Van Buren
by Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby | February 5th, 2020 | Letter 1 of 3

DEAR ABBY: I was married to a wonderful, beautiful woman when we were much younger. We got married because of an unplanned pregnancy. After some years, we both had grown in different directions, and we divorced. We remained friends even after I remarried.

I'm now in the early stages of my second divorce because I am lonely in a marriage where there's no communication or intimacy. I have tried working things out; my wife isn't interested, so I have given up trying. We no longer have a physical bond, but I refuse to lower myself to cheat to fulfill my needs.

I find myself drawn to my first wife, and I know she feels the same. While I'd like to see how life as a single guy of 55-plus would be, I also want to date my ex. We have a child together, and we have more in common now than before. Can a second time around really work? Or should I first play the field once I am divorced? -- WORKING BACKWARD IN CONNECTICUT

DEAR WORKING BACKWARD: Because you didn't mention whether your first wife also remarried, I will assume that she didn't.

If you wish to date her -- and the feelings are mutual -- there should be nothing stopping you. However, your idea of playing the field before committing again is wise. I have said before, and I'll repeat it for you: If you and your first wife decide to remarry, it would be a good idea to get premarital counseling together to ensure that all the issues that drove you apart the first time have been resolved.

Marriage & Divorce
life

Wife Begins to Question Man's Motives in Thailand Vacations

Dear Abby by by Abigail Van Buren
by Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby | February 5th, 2020 | Letter 2 of 3

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married 20 years. He is now on vacation in Thailand with his best buddy (without me again) for the third time in as many years.

After doing some research, I have discovered that this place is a major sex tourism destination also known as "Sodom on the Sea." My husband says he stays away from all the hanky-panky and goes there only for the beach, the food, the culture and "guy time" with his best friend. My girlfriends all tell me I am foolish and naive. Am I? -- SUSPICIOUS IN THE MIDWEST

DEAR SUSPICIOUS: I have my opinion, but not knowing your husband, I'm hesitant to accuse him of being an adulterer. However, you know him pretty well by now. (I assume that having researched your husband's chosen vacation spot, you have seen your doctor to be checked for STDs.) My questions to you would be -- in your heart of hearts -- what do you think? And if you agree with your girlfriends, what are you prepared to do about it?

Marriage & Divorce
life

Couple Write Their Own Obituaries

Dear Abby by by Abigail Van Buren
by Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby | February 5th, 2020 | Letter 3 of 3

DEAR ABBY: Many years ago, my wife and I decided we would help each other write our obituaries. I know this may seem macabre, but when she died a few years ago, after 48 years of marriage, it was less stressful to just fill in the date and age. What do you think? -- PRACTICAL UPSTATE NEW YORKER

DEAR PRACTICAL: I think that if it worked for you, other readers might consider it. Many people wonder what will be said of them after they're gone. This way, they can add or delete as they wish.

Marriage & DivorceDeath
life

Fear Keeps Jittery Driver From Getting a License

Dear Abby by by Abigail Van Buren
by Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby | February 4th, 2020 | Letter 1 of 3

DEAR ABBY: I am trying hard to let go of my paralyzing fear of driving, which has prevented me from getting a license. I am not sure why I get so nervous and afraid when I get behind the wheel. I really need a car to get my family and myself around. I just wish I knew what was causing this. Could you please help me figure it out? -- FEAR OF DRIVING

DEAR F.O.D.: Gladly. The quickest way to get to the bottom of what's causing your fear of driving would be to discuss it with a licensed mental health professional -- if possible, one who specializes in treating patients with phobias. Your physician or your health insurance company should be able to refer you to someone who is qualified.

Mental Health
life

Host Objects to Dinner Guest's WiFi Request

Dear Abby by by Abigail Van Buren
by Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby | February 4th, 2020 | Letter 2 of 3

DEAR ABBY: A few months ago, my wife and I invited another couple over for dinner. The husband was on his phone the entire time, showing us YouTube videos he apparently thought were interesting. After dinner, he lamented that he had run out of data and wanted us to provide our Wi-Fi password so he could continue watching his videos. I begrudgingly gave him access, but was really irked by it. Isn't it rude for a dinner guest to ask to use your Wi-Fi? -- NOT SO INTERESTED

DEAR NOT SO INTERESTED: It was not rude to ask for your Wi-Fi password. In some circles, it's normal. What was rude was for one guest to monopolize the conversation the way that dinner guest did. I'll bet it will be a long time before you invite that couple again.

Friends & NeighborsEtiquette & Ethics
life

Chatter at School Bus Stop Turns to Uncomfortable Questions About Money

Dear Abby by by Abigail Van Buren
by Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby | February 4th, 2020 | Letter 3 of 3

DEAR ABBY: I need help dealing with a neighbor problem. "Diane" and I have been neighbors for five years. We both have daughters in elementary school who ride the bus. At the bus stop, Diane always manages to point out something about my daughter or me that makes me uncomfortable. She'll ask things like, "Are those new shoes?" "I like that jacket. Was it expensive?" "You have a new hairdo; did it cost much?" Or "Wow, how can you afford such nice clothes for your daughter?" "Are those new jeans? How much were they?"

I find her prying annoying and quite rude. Most of the other parents avoid her, probably because of this behavior. I work to afford the things I have, and I don't feel I need to discuss what I spend for my child or myself with anyone. Other than this, she's a nice neighbor. What's the best way to get her to stop asking these questions? I try to ignore them, but this has been going on for years, and I'm at a loss. -- ANNOYED IN NORTH CAROLINA

DEAR ANNOYED: The surest way to get your neighbor to stop asking these kinds of questions would be the direct approach. Tell her questions of that nature make you uncomfortable and to please stop asking. If she persists, repeat it until she finally gets the message.

Friends & NeighborsMoney
life

Grandson Living Rent-Free Pushes Grandparents' Buttons

Dear Abby by by Abigail Van Buren
by Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby | February 3rd, 2020 | Letter 1 of 2

DEAR ABBY: Our 24-year-old grandson "Raffy," a college grad from a respected technical institution, couldn't find a job for a year after graduation. He has been living with us for more than six months without paying rent because we wanted to help him get on his feet. Currently, his only responsibility is helping somewhat after dinner. He now has a good job.

I should mention that Raffy tends to be narcissistic. He frequently wears his baseball hat to meals, even though I have asked him not to. He can also be difficult to deal with, attacking me when there's a difference of opinion or if he's angry about something.

We live in a three-bedroom condo. What rules are legitimate for me to require? Can I ask him to keep his room straight and take his hat off at meals or when going out for dinner? How much room and board should we ask for?

We have frequent guests -- family, our friends, his friends -- because we live close to the beach in Florida. Space gets to be a big issue, and he refuses to allow visiting cousins to sleep in his room, even though there are two double beds. I welcome your input, Abby. -- OUT OF CONTROL IN FLORIDA

DEAR OUT OF CONTROL: You seem to have forgotten that the condo Raffy lives in belongs to you. Because it is your home, and he has been living rent-free, you should be making the rules. It's time to sit him down and tell him together that if he wants to continue living there, he will:

1. Keep his room neat at all times.

2. Remove his hat during the meals he shares with you.

3. Allow the visiting cousins to use the extra bed in "his" room -- which is really your guest room.

4. I hesitate to suggest you ask him for money because if you turn the arrangement into a business deal, you may lose leverage. But I do think you should set a deadline for your gainfully employed (but difficult) grandson to leave. With the money he has been socking away on rent, he should be able to accumulate enough to afford a place of his own.

Family & ParentingWork & SchoolMoney
life

Family Questions Propriety of Kissing Kids on the Mouth

Dear Abby by by Abigail Van Buren
by Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby | February 3rd, 2020 | Letter 2 of 2

DEAR ABBY: As kids, we were taught not to kiss on the mouth (unless a spouse or romantic partner). We never kissed our children on the mouth and felt disgusted when we witnessed it.

We see it happen all the time now, especially on TV. It never happened in the '50s and '60s. Is my family wrong? -- HOLDING BACK IN HAMILTON, OHIO

DEAR HOLDING BACK: It's a matter of personal preference and upbringing. Giving a family member a peck on the lips is neither right nor wrong, and I have certainly never considered a parent or sibling showing affection in this way to be shocking or disgusting. Readers, what do you think?

Etiquette & EthicsHealth & SafetyFamily & Parenting

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