Columns

Mom Feels Betrayed by Friend Who Snitched on Her Daughter

DEAR ABBY: I have recently found out that someone I thought was a good friend is the person who snitched and got my daughter in serious trouble at school. Our daughters attended the same preschool, middle school and high school. Although they were friends, the friendship was more between us moms. Before middle school graduation, the students had an outing at the beach. Some of the girls, my daughter included, decided to bring vodka and orange juice. A few days later, my daughter was called to the principal’s office where she was thoroughly reprimanded. Any awards she was to receive ...

Washing An Iron Skillet

Dear Heloise: The advice to not use soap on seasoned cast iron is a fallacy. It comes from the days when soaps were commonly made with harsh ingredients such as vinegar and lye. It’s perfectly OK to use a gentle dish soap, especially the newer eco-friendly kinds. As a reminder: 1. Never soak a cast iron pan and never put it in the dishwasher. 2. Use wooden or plastic spatulas. 3. Don’t “shock” the pan by running cold water into a hot pan. 4. For stuck-on foods, use a mild dish soap and, using a sponge, gently scrub off cooked-on items. You also can use a coarse salt, but ...

Exposure of Porn Addiction Rocks Marriage of 40 Years

DEAR ABBY: A friend of mine has recently discovered that her husband of 40-plus years has been hiding a decades-long porn addiction. The discovery has caused a problem in their marriage. They have had counseling. He says he wants to save their marriage and has vowed to give up the porn. I was told he told his wife that if she decides to divorce him, he will tell the entire family and their children that SHE was the one addicted to porn, and it is the reason he’s divorcing her. My question is, what kind of person would treat his wife this way and think this is an appropriate way to ...

Hang a Christmas Tree!

Dear Readers: It’s been a year for the books, hasn’t it? If you are pushed for time and space and want to put up a tree with a smaller footprint, you can make one, and attach it to the wall! Grab some evergreen garland and some damage-free, easy-to-remove picture hooks. Shape the garland, beginning toward the ceiling, into a tree configuration, and pin with a picture hook, then work your way down the wall. Complete the “tree” with a star on top, ornaments that can easily hook onto the garland and even lights! It’s perfect for a child’s room, apartment or a senior with ...

Gifts for Grandkids Are Left Behind at Grandma’s House

DEAR ABBY: I raised my kids right as a single mom. I took pride in supporting them and giving them what they needed and wanted. I have a daughter who lives out of town with her husband and children. I don’t get to see them often, so I love buying them gifts that are waiting for them when they get here. For the kids’ birthdays and holidays, I always have nice gifts for them, too. For the past few years, my daughter has refused to take any of the gifts home with her, so the toys sit in my spare rooms. She smirks and laughs when someone says something about leaving behind the gifts ...

Don’t Be A No-Show

Today’s Sound Off is about breaking appointments: Dear Heloise: I have a full service beauty salon with five other chairs and stylists. This is how I make a living. You can’t imagine how annoying it is when a client doesn’t keep their appointment and doesn’t call me in a timely fashion to allow me to book someone else. Some people think it’s not a big deal but for me; it is. I have two boys to feed and clothe. I have bills to pay. I know there are occasions where something happens last minute, and I don’t get angry over that. But to not call and not show up is just plain ...