Abby

Bridal shower turns into mob scene

Dear Abby: I agreed to be maid of honor at my best friend’s wedding. I am now planning her bridal shower and just received the guest list from her mother and the groom’s mother, “Alicia.”

Turn off engine when fueling car

Dear Abby: My father absolutely refuses to turn off the ignition when fueling his car, despite the warning signs at the pump.

Keep graduation parties separate

Dear Abby: I am a divorced man with a live-in girlfriend I’ll call Donna. Her two boys also live with us.

Many opportunities for ‘encore careers’

Dear Abby: “Searching for ‘Me’ in Texas” (March 4) is not alone! A wave of 78 million baby boomers will soon leave 30-plus-year careers and are looking forward to an estimated 20 more years of life.

Women take control of their health by learning all they can

Dear Abby: Between juggling the joys and challenges of home life and staying productive at work, it’s easy for women to make quick decisions now that could affect their health later on, or to miss early signs of medical problems altogether.

Golfer who improves his lie must learn to tell the truth

Dear Abby: One of my friends, “Max,” cheats at golf. Otherwise he’s witty, interesting and fun to be around. He moves his ball closer to the hole on the green and “improves” his lie when he thinks no one is looking.

Teen with traffic violations may get ticket only to ride

Dear Abby: My niece, “Amy,” got her driver’s license last November. Since then she has been stopped six times for violations.

Adopted daughter grateful for birth mother’s sacrifice

Dear Abby: I hope you will print this on Mother’s Day. This Mother’s Day greeting is for all those incredibly unselfish mothers who chose to place their child up for adoption.

Survivor of child abuse wants to break from past

Dear Abby: When I was in sixth grade, my 19-year-old brother, “Ray,” came into my room and fondled me late at night. I pretended to be asleep so I didn’t have to deal with the situation.

Son deserves dressing-down for opening drawers

Dear Abby: My husband’s son — I’ll call him Duncan — came to visit with his family. He lived with us for about six months on and off when he was younger.

Chocolate lovers: Prepare to swoon

Dear Abby: I saw a column in which you mentioned your cookbooklets. I’d be interested in getting them.

Cheating heart leaves an electronic trail

Dear Abby: I have been with my boyfriend “Paul” for four years. We have a child together, and we each have a child of our own.

Bride doesn’t want families to take sides

Dear Abby: I’m getting married soon. My mom says we should have one side of the church reserved for my fiance’s friends and family, and one side for ours.

In-laws’ invitation snubs still rankle

Dear Abby: I have been married to my husband, “Stu,” for 27 years. His brother’s family continues to send invitations addressed only to Stu.

Bird man excluded from town festival

Dear Abby: I am a professional ornithologist (bird expert) with a substantial record of accomplishments — books, scientific papers, blog, Web site, consultant work, etc.