The first letter to Dear Abby is from a woman who is feeling like a third wheel in her own home. She lives with her husband and mother-in-law, who are very close and share a lot of similarities. The writer is uncomfortable with the fact that her husband and mother-in-law kiss each other on the lips before bedtime. She finds this behavior disgusting and has expressed her feelings to her husband, who brushes it off by saying, “It’s my mom.” Dear Abby advises the writer to have an open conversation with her husband about her feelings and the dynamics of their relationship.
In another letter, a godmother expresses her distress over her grown godchildren, who have stopped initiating contact with her. She used to have a close relationship with them and considered them like her own children. However, both of her goddaughters have become distant, citing busyness as the reason for not keeping in touch. The godmother’s godson assures her that there is nothing wrong, but she still feels abandoned and unsure of what to do. Dear Abby advises the godmother to accept that her godchildren are adults with their own responsibilities and to focus on other activities that bring her joy.
Dear Abby is approached with a vulnerable plea for advice from a woman who feels rejected by her grown godchildren. Despite the familial bond they once shared, her goddaughters have become distant and unresponsive. While the writer feels hurt and abandoned, Abby advises her to accept their changed behavior and focus on other fulfilling activities. The godmother is encouraged to invest her time and energy elsewhere, giving her the opportunity to meet new people and engage in activities that bring her happiness.
The first letter addresses a woman’s discomfort with her mother-in-law’s close relationship with her husband. Feeling like a third wheel in her own home, the writer is put off by the fact that her husband and mother-in-law kiss each other on the lips before bedtime. She finds this behavior repulsive and has expressed her concerns to her husband, who dismisses them. Dear Abby advises the woman to communicate openly with her husband about her feelings and the need to establish healthy boundaries within their household.
In the second letter, a godmother seeks advice on how to cope with the distance she feels from her grown godchildren. Once close to them and considered like a second mother, she is now faced with neglect and lack of communication. Despite explanations from her godson and younger goddaughter, who cite busyness as the reason for the lack of contact, the godmother feels abandoned and confused. Dear Abby encourages her to accept the changing dynamics of their relationships and focus on other fulfilling activities to bring her joy and fulfillment.
The godmother’s plea for advice on her strained relationship with her grown godchildren is met with empathy and understanding from Dear Abby. Feeling abandoned and rejected, the godmother struggles to comprehend the change in her goddaughters’ behavior and the lack of communication. While reassured by her godson that everything is fine, the godmother is encouraged to invest her time in activities that bring joy and fulfillment, allowing her to focus on herself and her well-being. Dear Abby’s guidance offers a perspective of acceptance and growth as the godmother navigates the complexities of adult relationships.
