Abby hears from a reader whose friend has endured 40 years of an emotionally abusive marriage with intermittent "normal" periods, while a senior dog sitter is feeling lonely for human companionship.

I have been married for 17 years to a good man with many great attributes. However, our relationship lacks connection. Every effort at emotional connection is initiated by me (like planning date ...

— Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Advice Dear Abby: Out of nowhere, older man in relationship accuses me of emotional immaturity Published: Apr. 21, 2025, 6:00 a.m.

Advice Dear Abby: Legal divorce is one thing, but it needs to come with emotional divorce, too Published: Mar. 13, 2025, 6:00 a.m.

I suspect that may be one reason our son is distant. Several of his contemporaries (both male and female) have mentioned ...

A Dear Abby reader and mental health therapist urges Abby to have more compassion and understanding for polyamorous relationships.

DEAR BLEEDING HEART: I am so sorry for the unrelenting trauma you experienced. Your children may mean well, but they are clueless about what the effects of physical, emotional and sexual abuse can be.

Dear Abby gives advice to a man who realized he is having anger issues in his relationship just like his father did with his mother.

DEAR ABBY: I have been married for 17 years to a good man with many great attributes. However, our relationship lacks connection. Every effort at emotional connection is initiated by me (like ...

DEAR ABBY: At 63, I am the youngest sister of four siblings. We grew up in the turmoil of Dad’s alcoholism and hoarding, as well as physical and emotional abuse from both our parents.

DEAR ABBY: My best friend, “Juliet,” recently lost her months-old baby under tragic circumstances. After several months, she is now pregnant again. Abby, I’m worried. She’s in her 30s and ...