DEAR ABBY: I met a man from another country through the internet last year. In the beginning, we talked every day via video chat. We share much in common. We never have a problem keeping our conversations going, and we pick up on each other's emotions and needs without even trying.

Our communication is less frequent now that our relationship is maturing. With this newfound freedom from the phone, I'm starting to question how wise it is to continue pursuing a future together. Although we have never met in person, I feel he is trustworthy and absolutely wonderful, and I would even go so far as to say he's my soulmate.

The questions that are always in the back of my mind, though, are: Am I crazy for thinking this is the real deal? Is it too good to be true? And if I don't pursue this further, am I missing my only opportunity for a lasting love? -- MATCHED IN MICHIGAN

DEAR MATCHED: This is not your "only" opportunity for lasting love. Whether this is the real deal or too good to be true remains to be seen. Because you found this match online, you need to be cautious. If it's possible, arrange to visit him in his country, which will give you the opportunity to meet his family and friends and observe his living situation. If he is genuine, he should welcome it. If he is hesitant, however, regard it as a significant red flag.

DEAR ABBY: My older sister and I are educated professionals in our late 40s. We reside in different states. Our father's cognitive function and mobility are deteriorating, so my parents sold their large home in another state to downsize and move to a senior community near me. The area in which I live is affordable. Living near me is a logical choice, since I am attentive and reliable, and I have often assisted them and my in-laws in the past.

My sister has chosen to view my parents' move as their choosing me over her. Initially, she stopped speaking to me. When I texted and asked why I hadn't heard from her, she said my texts "weren't high on her list of priorities." In another exchange, she told me she hoped my husband, who is being treated for a heart condition, dies before he can vote. Then, she stopped speaking to our parents. During their last email exchange, she told my mother to cry on the shoulder of the "daughter she chose."

My sister has treated me similarly in the past, but she has never before shut out our parents. She used to call them often, and they miss talking to her. I'm not sure reconciling is an option, but it is difficult to witness her being so cruel during this time of extreme stress. What are your thoughts? -- SIBLING DRAMA IN GEORGIA

DEAR DRAMA: Your sister's attempts to punish you and your parents for the decision they made has only reinforced that they made the correct one. I am sorry she has been so successful in inflicting pain on all of you because none of you deserve her over-the-top reaction. By shunning you, she has succeeded only in isolating herself from those who care for her.

DEAR ABBY: I admire your wit and appreciate your candor, which is why I'm writing to you. I've been dating a man for 4 1/2 years. He's 56; I'm 60. I hope for a life with him, marriage, a place of our own, etc. The only obstacle is his obligation to look after his aging parents and help them stay in their home, which he promised them years ago.

At first, I was OK waiting for him to finish with them and looking forward to a time for us. I tried to help. I even moved into his parents' home with the three of them, as I am a certified home care aide, but his mother was impossible. Even though it was her idea that I move in, it became obvious that she didn't want my help with anything. She even banned me from "her" kitchen.

I spent six months there, sleeping in my own room, separated from my love, because in their world, if you're not married and you're having sex, you're a sinner who's going to hell. Of course, we were having sex discreetly, but apparently not discreetly enough, because his mother was absolutely certain we were having sex in her house against her rules.

Abby, it was a nightmare. There was more involved, but I was ultimately turned out of the house with no notice. LONG story short: I don't know if I can wait much longer for the life with him I want. Who knows how long this will go on. I'm losing faith it will ever work out. What do you advise? -- RESTLESS IN WASHINGTON

DEAR RESTLESS: You and your boyfriend are adults and entitled to a sex life if you want one. That he allowed his controlling mother to "turn you out of the house with no notice" (!) and couldn't find the courage to enlighten her that if you left, he would be out of there, too, should have been the wake-up call you needed to move on.

Four and a half years has been long enough to wait. If you want the life you describe, your chances will be far better if you continue looking for a man who is available, because this one clearly isn't.

DEAR ABBY: My son married a girl from Taiwan. She's sweet but very uncultured. I have tried for more than 10 years to get along with her, but it has been very hard. We have nothing in common except my son.

She doesn't cook very often, or clean or do laundry. Her English is terrible. She dresses poorly, has no interest in her home and celebrates no holidays. We are never invited to dinner. We always entertain them. They have no children.

Our relationship with our son is strong, but I have grown to dislike her. She does very little for him. Her interest in saving money at the expense of any enjoyment is sad. I don't know what to do. Help, please. -- DISAPPOINTED IN TEXAS

DEAR DISAPPOINTED: OK, so she's not your ideal daughter-in-law. Your son married this woman for a reason. The question is, does she make him happy? If the answer is yes, devote your energy to focusing on that rather than your negative feelings about her. And when you entertain them, rather than do it grudgingly, remember you are doing it for him. (And smile.)

DEAR ABBY: My next-door neighbors, whom I have become close with, have three adult children. My friends admit it's always been important for them to be their children's friends and be the "popular" parents, enforcing no discipline/guidance ever in their children's lives, still to this day.

The 19-year-old daughter has drug and alcohol problems and recently lost control at a friend's house while under the influence. Her parents were called to pick her up. They called me on their way home and asked if I could help to get her under control. When they arrived, the daughter was screaming and violently beating up her mother in the back seat. She kicked out the side window of the car and was urinating everywhere. She was suicidal.

We got her out of the car, and she continued to be combative, screaming repeatedly that she wanted to die. I told them I was going to call 911 and they turned on me telling me, "Absolutely not!" They just wanted help to get her inside and tie her to the furniture and let her sleep it off. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

They dragged her by her arms on the ground into the house, where the screaming and fighting escalated. I called the police. She was transported to the hospital on a 5150, 72-hour hold. Now they are mad at me. I feel I did the right thing, especially since they chose to involve me and given what the alternative could have been. Was I wrong? Or do I need to reevaluate the friendship? -- INTERVENING IN ARIZONA

DEAR INTERVENING: By all means, reevaluate your friendship with this clueless couple, who should be thanking you. Their daughter needs far more help than her parents could provide by tying her to the furniture. She needs intervention, as well as psychological and medical treatment. You not only did nothing wrong by calling 911, you did everything right.

DEAR ABBY: I recently made plans with a friend. A couple days beforehand, when I texted her asking if we were still on, she told me she'd made other plans. She claims she forgot we had plans, but she told the other person there was nothing written in stone, so she opted to hang out with her for a special birthday dinner.

My friend admitted she wanted to spend time with the other person, which is fine, but I don't understand her lying to me about forgetting our plans. Now I no longer trust what she says. Lying does not build relationships, and she doesn't appear to care how I feel. I don't know how to respond to her now because she doesn't see why I am upset, regardless of what I say. -- CAST OFF IN MICHIGAN

DEAR CAST OFF: Stop responding to this person, who seems like more of a flake than a friend. If her company is worth it, see her when it's convenient for you, and if you get a better offer don't hesitate to jump on it -- after telling her what you are doing, of course. To simply stand her up would be rude.