DEAR ABBY: I read the letter from the woman who is feeling alone at 66 and pondering the purpose of life ("Living Life in Texas," July 25). Assuming she's in good health, she's a spring chicken compared to a 90-year-old. Allow me to offer some suggestions on how she can recapture the spark of wonder and amazement that life's boundless opportunities offer. I'm 68 and speak from experience.

"Living Life" mentioned that she volunteers. Perhaps she could change her routine and explore new possibilities as a volunteer. We sometimes get in a rut and become bored and complacent about making changes in our routine that would spice up our lives. She could get a pet if she doesn't have one. You get more than you give with a pet -- they provide loving companionship on a daily basis. She should consider adopting from an animal shelter. Those creatures need a forever home more than you know, and they ward off the "lonelies."

Travel with a nonprofit touring company called Road Scholar is another great option. Don't hesitate to join the tours as a solo traveler. If you do, you will meet others who are as excited as you to explore within the USA and abroad. Get on the internet, where you will find an endless amount of information, more than you could absorb in a second lifetime. Keep questioning, researching and learning about topics that pique your interest. We are never too old to learn new things. The wonders of the universe are at your fingertips.

Motivate yourself to make some changes in your life that will afford you enriching experiences. Life is short. Make the most of the time you have on this planet. Purpose in life doesn't just "happen." YOU make it happen. -- FULL OF ZEST IN OHIO

DEAR FULL: Your suggestion about adopting a pet from a shelter was echoed by many readers. They also suggested traveling with friends, as well as working with youth in need -- as a tutor, a Big Sister, adoptive grandparent or foster mother, or becoming a reader at the public library. Hospitals need volunteers to hold premature babies and give them physical contact. And it was also suggested that "Living Life" create a gratitude list of 10 things for which she is grateful and refer to it during a daily meditation. (Many folks do this every morning before getting out of bed to set the tone for the day. I am one of them.)

DEAR ABBY: I have a child who is 11. I have been a single parent all these years. The father has not reached out on any occasion. Through the years, all we've heard is cricket noise. Because of that, we built our own lives. Recently, the father has decided he wants his rights known as a father, but he has made no changes to prove he is worthy. His phone calls are still random; there are no visits and no support emotionally or financially. How do I let him know he is interrupting a peaceful life for my beautiful child? I need help telling him to "Hit the road, Jack!" -- PEACEFUL IN THE WEST

DEAR PEACEFUL: Getting the deadbeat out of your lives may not be as simple as telling him to scram. For accurate information about what "rights" he may have, consult a lawyer with expertise in family law. I wish you luck.

DEAR ABBY: I have been in love with a man for 34 years. I was married to him once, then divorced him because of drugs. I have been remarried for eight years now, to a wonderful man who is good to me, but aloof to my needs or desires. I am not in love with him. When we talked early in the marriage about my needs, he got sullen and said he would "try." That lasted a very short time. He is focused only on his wants and needs.

Three years ago, my ex lost his mother. I contacted his brother to offer sympathy, and then my ex contacted me. We have talked and cried together. He has apologized and asked for forgiveness. He then told me he has never stopped loving me. We have met a couple of times since, and I'm having a hard time deciding what to do.

My home is more like a small office than a home. We have a business, a ministry, and I have a full-time job. I can't just pack up and leave, but in my heart I want to go back to my ex. He has been clean for three years, free from the drug-related health problems and is not going to return to that life. What do I do? -- TORN IN LOVE IN THE SOUTH

DEAR TORN: The relationship you have described with your self-centered husband seems more like a business partnership than anything else. From what you describe, he's either unwilling or unable to give you what you need. Unless you like living in an emotional desert, you will have to take charge of your life. IF you decide to divorce your husband, I urge you to take a LONG pause and not rush back to the altar. Get to know your ex again. Learn what pressures drove him to substance abuse. Although you care for him, the last thing you need is to wind up back at square one.

DEAR ABBY: My pregnant oldest niece just had a gender reveal party to which I was not invited. She called me instead to tell me the gender of the baby. My brother (her father) and his wife were invited. My sister-in-law is now having a baby shower for my niece. I don't feel like I'm being treated like family anymore. My brother and his family never invite me to any family get-togethers.

I'm wondering why I was not invited to the gender reveal party, yet she's inviting me to her baby shower. My feelings are if I wasn't good enough to be invited to the gender reveal along with her friends and the rest of our family, then why should I go to her baby shower? -- HURT AUNT IN INDIANA

DEAR HURT AUNT: If you want a relationship with your pregnant oldest niece, attend the shower and be friendly. If you decline the invitation, you will further the estrangement from your brother's family. I don't know what caused it and neither do you, but you should definitely ask if you did something that offended them because it has been hurtful. (Just don't ask that question at the shower!)

DEAR ABBY: My daughter is about to turn 14 and wants to get a job. We just found out that in our state, 14- and 15-year-olds can work if they get a permit. I'm very concerned. I tried negotiating with her by telling her that her dad and I will give her a job at home and pay her, but she insists on working to help with our family finances. I have congestive heart failure and adrenal insufficiency, which is why I can't work outside the home. Her dad, my husband, is the only source of income.

While I admire her desire to help out financially, I'm very anxious about her being out in the workforce. I'm not paranoid. At various points during my youth, I was sexually abused and assaulted by several men. Realistically, it is dangerous, and I personally think she's way too young to work outside the home. Please tell me if I'm being overly protective, or whether my concerns are legitimate. -- APPRECIATIVE BUT WORRIED

DEAR APPRECIATIVE: Your daughter is to be applauded for wanting to help with the family finances. To me it shows her level of maturity. Because she's inexperienced in the ways of the world, you and her father should sit down with her for some frank discussions.

Explain what sexual harassment is and make it clear that if she feels any pressure at all, she should tell you so you can help her safely deal with it. Unlike years ago, today there are laws that offer protection to female workers. She should understand what the term "hostile work environment" means. As long as she knows she can come to you and her dad about anything that makes her uncomfortable, she should be safe.

DEAR ABBY: I've been seeing a woman for close to two years. We are a couple, and we sleep in the same bed. She says she's my girl and I'm her guy. Yet, after all this time, she still won't have sex with me. I can't stop thinking she's doing it with somebody else. She's 40; I'm 50. What's going on? -- BEWILDERED IN OREGON

DEAR BEWILDERED: I would be interested in knowing how this woman has been responding if you have asked her why she won't have sex with you. If you haven't done that, the time to have asked was after you started sharing the same bed. Do not let your imagination run wild, because she may not be seeing anyone else. The answer may be that she has no sexual urges at all. If that's the case, you deserve to know so you can decide if this is the kind of relationship you want.

DEAR VETERANS: For your service to our nation, I salute you. My thanks to each of you on this Veterans Day. You are the personification of patriotism, self-sacrifice and dedication to our country. I would also like to recognize your families for the sacrifices they, too, have made while you were serving your country. -- Love, ABBY