Columns

Favorite Son’s Jabs at Brother’s Wife Causing Family Friction

DEAR ABBY: I married “Darius” two years ago. I have had problems with my brother-in-law ever since Darius and I first began dating five years ago. From my husband’s perspective, his parents have always favored his younger brother, “Adonis.” “Anything goes” is their attitude where he is concerned. Adonis takes things without asking, lies and constantly makes disrespectful comments toward us. He was never reprimanded as a child, and now he’s an adult (24), the sniping continues. A few months ago, he showed up unannounced at my home and insulted a guest who was ...

Good Fences Make Good Neighbors of Humans, Wildlife

Fences are the best way to prevent deer and other foraging animals from damaging gardens, landscape plants and orchards, but they can be expensive, and difficult or time-consuming to install. There are other wildlife deterrents, but they might not work as well, so be prepared to share. The ...

Coffee Ole

Dear Readers: Want to do something a little different for guests when you’re serving them coffee? Try my “Coffee Ole.” It’s easy and takes very little time. Make a regular cup of coffee and add a little extra milk — regular or skim — and a tablespoon of powdered milk. Add a little sugar or artificial sweetener to taste. Put this mixture in the blender and blend until foamy. Then microwave in a microwavable cup for a few seconds, and ole, a steaming cup of delicious coffee! This easy-to-make treat is found in my pamphlet “Heloise’s Flavored Coffees and Teas.” To get a ...

Dad Feels Helpless To Mend Teenager’s Crisis of Identity

DEAR ABBY: My 14-year-old daughter recently came out of the closet, and it has made my husband and me quite upset. She says she is “bicurious, pansexual and polyamorous.” She now insists everyone call her by a gender-neutral name, gave herself a side shave and dyed her hair pink after we repeatedly told her not to. She wants us to refer to her as “they” and not “she.” Boys used to like her, and she used to have friends, but she threw it all away to be “unique.” You may think we should let her be true to herself, but in the process, she is disrespecting us and ruining her ...

Home Work

Dear Readers: Lots of us are working from home now; this is a new phenomenon with COVID-19. Here are some hints for a workable, efficient home office space. A distraction-free spot in your home is necessary. You’ll need lots of outlets nearby, with a bright, well-lit desk. Experts suggest not only overhead lighting, but also a table lamp for focused lighting. A sunny window can boost spirits, too. A proper office chair is necessary. Although it may be tempting to sit on the couch or a bed to work, good posture is critical. The monitor of your computer should be at eye level, and ...

Widow Vows Never to Share Her Bed With Another Man

DEAR ABBY: I am a single man who recently met a widow who is nine years older. We connected via an online dating site. At the end of our three-hour conversation, she said, “No man will ever share my bed.” This is because of her second husband, who died six years ago. She said if a man shared her bed, she felt it would be cheating on her late husband. When she said it, I was surprised and shocked. I hadn’t asked her if she would share my (or another man’s) bed. What are your thoughts on this, and do a lot of widows adhere to this practice? Should this be considered a ...