Table of Contents
DEAR ABBY: Although I’m a gregarious person with plenty of friends, I’ve started to be “ghosted” after arranging or assisting in an introduction between a male and female friend. Several times when I’m quite close friends with the guy, this has happened. When I introduce him to a female friend or coworker and support their friendship, he tells me that the woman becomes envious of him or feels uncomfortable with him being my buddy.
Dear Abby, the woman is fed up with making friends on her own dime.
Dear Abby, I have a happy marriage. These men don’t appeal to me, and I’m furious about losing a buddy (or worse, he wants to meet in secret). I got along well with the man’s ex in the most of these situations, so we got things done without any problems. It’s making me leery of female pals and makes me not want to have male friends. Suggestions? — A COMPETITOR IN INDIANA
HIRING MATCHMAKER: Let’s talk about being unappreciative. No good act seems to go unpunished. You also seem to be swimming in a pond of insecure female coworkers and pals. Here’s the lesson: Don’t try to fix these women up. From now on, get out of their way and let them find their own dates.
DEAR ABBY: How can I move past my former spouse? His desire was for a divorce. I wasn’t asked, I was told! Even after ten years, I still think about him in dreams. Since then, I haven’t dated him or any other man. My sleep issue is driving me insane. I’ve tried counseling, over-the-counter medications, and sleep applications, but I continually dream about him, both in pleasant and unpleasant nightmares. How much more can I take? I’m not sure. How can I avoid seeing my ex in my dreams? — TROLLING IN ALASKA
HAUNTED, DEAR: I’ve discovered that the more we attempt to suppress our dreams, the more often they occur, especially if your final thought before turning in for the night is, “DON’T think about the rat who left me so unceremoniously!” Finding a new therapist and talking nonstop about your ex until you realize that they are no longer in your life might perhaps improve the quality of your sleep. At last, you will be able to fantasize about the future rather than the past.
DEAR ABBY: I’m a handicapped married lady. I prepare my own breakfast and lunch, wash my clothes, tidy up after myself, and prepare supper for my family. I provide in-home rehabilitation. To keep my legs flexible, my spouse should stretch them twice a day, but he won’t do it. If I remind him once, he will only do it once. He refuses to assist me in cleaning up the kitchen after I cook or to make our bed. Am I incorrect in thinking that there is a problem with this image? — COMMITTING TO TEXAS
DEAR DOING: You have a right to feel the way you do. It is regrettable that your spouse isn’t more inclined to assist, and you have the right to inquire as to why. If you can, find another way to pay for your therapy as he won’t help you more than once a day. Maybe a friend or another relative might help. You might discover someone with the assistance of your doctor as well.
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Pauline Phillips, Abigail Van Buren’s mother, started Dear Abby, a blog authored by Jeanne Phillips. Reach Dear Abby at P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069, or at her website, www.DearAbby.com.
To enhance your communication skills and social interactions, pick up a copy of “How to Be Popular.” To get the Popularity Booklet, send your name, postal address, and $8 (U.S. cash) by check or money order to Dear Abby at Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (The cost of shipping and handling is already included.)
