Brother alarmed by teen sister’s dangerous choices
Dear Abby: A few weeks ago, my 14-yearold sister snuck out and had sex with a boy she met on Snapchat. I know this because my distraught mother decided to tell me.
My sister lied to my parents repeatedly about it, but later, when they went through her phone, they found explicit images that a girl her age should never have. Furthermore, after they confiscated her phone, she acquired a new one from a friend and continues to message boys through Snapchat. She continues to lie to my parents when they ask her if she’s communicating with anyone.
She has been hanging around a toxic group of girls at school, and she’s very impressionable. She isn’t a bad person, but all this lying has left me confused and upset. What can I do to help her? — Her Worried Brother In Georgia
Dear Brother: The age of consent in Georgia is 16. Do your parents know the identity and age of the person your sister met on Snapchat? The inappropriate pictures your parents discovered on her phone could be considered child pornography, and there are laws against it.
It’s very important that your sister understand how dangerous what she has been doing is. Because the peer group she has chosen to follow is undesirable, it would be better if your sister was removed from that influence and homeschooled or transferred to a different school. Please suggest this to your parents.
Dear Abby: My best friend, “Betsy,” died suddenly a week ago. She was only 58, and I am devastated. She was the most upbeat, positive person I have ever known.
A year ago, a new neighbor, “Claudia,” moved across the street. I befriended her and introduced Claudia to Betsy a couple of months ago. They met twice and texted each other a few times. I was pleased, thinking we could have a girls’ night out once in a while.
After Betsy died, I heard Claudia has been telling people her “best friend” had died. The day before, she told me she barely knew Betsy. Claudia also said that at least now she didn’t have to share me!
I am appalled that this woman is trying to co-opt my grieving for my dearest friend and make it her own. How do I deal with this? — Sorrowful In Washington
Dear Sorrowful: I am sorry for the loss of your best friend. People who knew you and Betsy know how close you were. Claudia may have said what she did in order to gain sympathy or attention.
Your grief is your own. No one can steal it from you. Claudia may be insecure or jealous of the closeness you shared with Betsy. Now that you know what kind of person Claudia is, act accordingly.
Dear Abby: Do you feel the words “cool” and “perfect” are way overused and should be retired indefinitely? — Curious In California
Dear Curious: No, but if you do, I’m perfectly cool with it.
How about overused words like “huge,” “awesome” and “epic”? And is everything and everyone truly “AMAZING”? See what you have started? Somebody hand me a thesaurus.
The Stars Show the Kind of Day You’ll Have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
★★★★ Competitors provide inspiration, but take time to relax and regroup if you start to feel pressured. Community involvement will be rewarding. A mission to make the world a better place has appeal. Tonight: Enjoying a renewed appreciation for your cherished friendships.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
★★★★ Career prospects are both interesting and challenging. Innovate; be creative. Combine business with pleasure. Listen carefully to others. Today indicates that valuable information is offered during social situations and at Zoom meetings. Tonight: Sincerity is the best form of communication.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
★★★★ A deep awareness is present. Your intuition is wonderful. Heed those inner voices, and you’ll be guided toward success. Your energy level will be high, but do quell irritation. It’s especially easy to overreact now. Tonight: Friends are willing to give your career a boost.
CANCER (June 21-July 22)
★★★★ Your priorities and desires are in flux. It will be a wild but interesting day. Decide what it is that you really want and pursue it. There are endings and beginnings in process. Fate intervenes in plans, so be flexible and observant. Tonight: Relax.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
★★★★★ Talented and powerful people are drawing closer to you. The promise of partnerships is very real. You discover much about others and how they feel toward you. Tonight: Keep an open mind and seek the truth, then all will be well.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
★★★★★ Your work is rewarding and interesting today. You’ll be thinking of how best to manage your time and resources. Needed materials and supplies become available. Communication with the very young or the elderly is excellent. Tonight: Be aware of how old habits come into play.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
★★★★ Today encourages you to splurge or take a gamble. Do enjoy some special goodies or luxuries in moderation, but don’t go to extremes. You’ll realize that there is so much to appreciate and be thankful for. Tonight: Catch up with an old lover.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23Nov. 21)
★★ Work out anger issues with family members. Compromise is the solution to domestic conflicts. Your residence might need some maintenance. Patiently work out differences and make much needed repairs. Shop for the best prices. Tonight: A long and arduous family dinner.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
★★ Relationships with siblings and neighbors can be demanding. Be patient. Undercurrents and extenuating circumstances are afoot. As the day ends, facts come to light. You’ll be glad you were understanding and tolerant. Tonight: Allow others to grow and explore.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
★★★★ Old financial obligations or debts are becoming more manageable. You are entering a more promising security cycle. Learn more about financial management. Don’t repeat patterns and habits that led to previous disappointments. Tonight: Conversations about monetary matters are wild.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
★★★★★ Today is wonderful for study and analysis of all kinds. Social prospects are especially bright. Adorn yourself. Assemble an especially wonderful costume. Much can be accomplished. There is a deeper understanding of your own psyche. Tonight: Any confusion will clear.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
★★★★★ Today is a time for rest and reverie, with the Moon in your sector of solitude and subconscious yearnings. Take note of dreams. Answers come from within. Allow nature and wildlife to draw nigh. The natural world offers peace and comfort. Tonight: Quiet time.