Moving On from an Ex-Husband: Advice from Dear Abby
Haunted by Dreams of an Ex-Husband
Haunted in Alaska seeks advice from Dear Abby on how to get over her ex-husband. Despite the divorce being initiated by him, she still dreams about him after 10 years. These dreams, both good and bad, are affecting her sleep and sanity. Haunted in Alaska has tried therapy and sleep aids, but nothing seems to alleviate the dreams. She desperately wants to know how to keep her ex out of her dreams.
Dear Abby’s Insightful Advice
Dear Abby responds by sharing her observation that trying to suppress dreams often makes them more frequent, especially if thoughts before sleep focus on not thinking about the ex. Instead, she suggests finding another therapist and engaging in extensive conversations to finally accept that the ex is in the past. By doing so, Haunted in Alaska can start dreaming about her future rather than dwelling on the past.
Matchmaker’s Woes: Ghosted by Friends
Matchmaker in Indiana seeks Abby’s advice on a recurring problem. After introducing male and female friends, Matchmaker finds herself being “ghosted.” The men, with whom she is already friends, end up telling her that the women feel uncomfortable with their friendship due to jealousy or other reasons. Matchmaker, happily married and uninterested in these men, feels frustrated about losing friendships or having to meet secretly. She wonders how to handle this situation and whether she should avoid having male friends altogether.
Abby’s Take on Insecure Female Friends
Abby empathizes with Matchmaker’s frustration and points out the ingratitude displayed by the women involved. She advises Matchmaker to stop fixing these women up and let them find their own dates. Abby suggests staying clear of the line of fire and allowing these women to navigate their relationships independently. Matchmaker shouldn’t let these experiences deter her from having male or female friends in the future.
Neglected Assistance: A Disabled Woman’s Plight
Doing My Part in Texas, a disabled woman, writes to Dear Abby about her husband’s lack of support. While she is capable of dressing, washing her clothes, and cooking for the family, she requires assistance with leg stretches twice a day. However, her husband rarely fulfills this responsibility unless reminded. Additionally, he refuses to make the bed or help with cleaning the kitchen after she cooks. Doing My Part wonders if there is something wrong with this situation.
Validating Feelings and Finding Alternatives
Dear Abby acknowledges Doing My Part’s feelings and expresses sadness at her husband’s lack of willingness to help. She advises Doing My Part to have an open conversation with her husband to understand his reasons for not assisting. Abby suggests exploring alternate options, such as asking a relative or friend for assistance, or even consulting with her doctor for potential solutions.
Dear Abby: A Trusted Advisor
Dear Abby, founded by Pauline Phillips and currently written by Abigail Van Buren (Jeanne Phillips), is a trusted source of advice for countless individuals seeking guidance on various life issues. Readers can reach out to Dear Abby through the website or by mail, finding comfort and wisdom in the column’s insightful responses.
In conclusion, Dear Abby provides valuable insights and advice to individuals struggling with personal challenges. From learning to let go of past relationships to navigating complex friendships and seeking support in difficult situations, Dear Abby’s column continues to be a beacon of wisdom and guidance for readers around the world.
