Bride upset with dad may want to elope
DEAR ABBY: My father hates my fiance to the point where, when I stayed with my fiance for one day, Dad wouldn’t allow me to come home. Dad said many nasty things, but among the more hurtful ones were that he hoped my fiance would abuse me, and that I shouldn’t be allowed to get married. He doesn’t remember saying them.
Only my immediate family and my fiance’s family know the specifics, and whenever I say I would rather have my brother walk me down the aisle, my relatives are in disbelief. Dad has come to terms with my engagement, but he treats my fiance differently from my older sister’s boyfriend. Am I in the wrong for not wanting him to escort me? — Misunderstood Bride-to-be
DEAR MISUNDERSTOOD: Under the circumstances, it is understandable that you would prefer someone else walk you down the aisle. My advice is to do what is best for the two of you, including considering an elopement.
DEAR ABBY: I’m a girl in my teens. My best friend moved away, and I miss her. It feels like the world has turned against me, and I am depressed.
I don’t like to text her, and I don’t think she would let me call her every single day. I’m afraid we’re not going to be friends anymore. I made a new friend this year, but it isn’t the same.
Do I talk to her about it? Or should I stop being her friend? — Missing My Best Friend
DEAR MISSING: Friendships, unlike Lego blocks, are not interchangeable. Do not suddenly stop communicating with your friend. You should absolutely tell her how you are feeling because she may be feeling the same way.
With more time, you will get past this. But in the meantime, try to stay busy, which will help you feel less isolated.
DEAR ABBY: I am an 84-year-old divorced alum from a local college who has developed feelings for a 59-year-old widow. She works at my former college and visited me a month ago asking for a donation. Since then, she has shown extreme appreciation of my gift, via letter, emails and phone calls.
Do you think the age difference is too much for me to pursue a meaningful relationship with her? — Unknown Feelings in Virginia
DEAR UNKNOWN FEELINGS: Depending upon the condition you are in physically and financially, the age difference may not be insurmountable. At 59, she is old enough to decide whether it’s a deal-breaker. Invite her out. If she hits you up for another donation, you will know where you stand.
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.