Teen has lots of turmoil, few answers
DEAR ABBY: I’m a 13-yearold female and I can’t find a job. My mom is cheating on my stepdad. I feel like I have to be as independent as possible right now. Otherwise, I won’t be able to do things.
I need to raise money for a camera. Photography is my passion. It’s all I want in life. It’s the only thing I’ll ever love, besides my grandma, who is 72 with dementia.
Please help. Is there any point to living? How do I get a job at 13? How do I confront my mother? Why can’t my grandma be cured? Why is my life the worst thing about me? Please help me. — Anonymous Teen in the Midwest
DEAR TEEN: You’re very young, and it’s clear you are experiencing a lot of turmoil.
What may seem overwhelming right now — including your sadness about your grandmother’s illness — can be overcome by staying physically active. I’m sorry you’re experiencing all this at such a tender age, but it would be good for both of you if you give her as much love, patience and understanding as you can. Although there may be no cure for her illness right now, the worldwide scientific community is searching for an answer.
If you have the courage, talk to your mother privately about your concerns because you may be mistaken about her cheating. It would be healthier than bottling up your feelings as you have been doing.
P.S. For extra money, consider dog-walking, baby-sitting and odd jobs such as doing yard work for neighbors.
DEAR ABBY: I am deeply disturbed to have learned after having been married to “John” for four years, that he never divorced his last wife. He insists they are legally divorced because she abandoned him 10 years ago.
I feel betrayed, used and abused, and I don’t know what to do. We’ve built a home and combined our finances. I can’t even pay bills without him. If I leave, I lose everything I have established. What do I do? Please help me feel adequate again. — Betrayed in the South
DEAR BETRAYED: Talk to an attorney immediately! If you were not aware that he wasn’t divorced when you married him, he has committed fraud as well as bigamy. You should not lose everything you have established; in fact, he’ll be lucky if he isn’t prosecuted. 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 www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.