Dear Abby, Oct. 4
Ralph’s retirement has led to repeated calls, while family tensions rose after the writer’s comments about granddaughter Libby’s weight.
- A reader identified as 'Ducking Calls' wrote to the Dear Abby column regarding a retired friend named Ralph, who calls three or four times a week to rehash old topics.
- Ralph retired recently and became bored, prompting the frequent calls despite the writer's subtle hints that daily life rarely changes.
- Abigail Van Buren advises the writer to enforce a waiting period between calls and immediately change the subject when Ralph raises worn-out topics.
- A separate reader, 'Meant Well,' reported a son-in-law confronted her after she commented on granddaughter Libby's weight, which was associated with a medical condition.
- Van Buren advised the reader to turn on 'listening ears' when visiting rather than offering unsolicited remarks. The Dear Abby column, founded in 1956 by Pauline Phillips, continues under Van Buren's guidance.
10 Articles
10 Articles
Dear Abby: Comments about granddaughter's weight put grandma in the doghouse
<p><b>DEAR ABBY:</b> I moved 2,000 miles to be near my daughter and her family. One of my granddaughters, "Libby," was diagnosed with a medical condition and has put on some weight. I was at my daughter's and was going to mention my concern for my granddaughter's weight. Before I could finish, my son-in-law came in, told me I shouldn't be talking about Libby's weight and walked away. I thought I could talk to my daughter about things I was conce…
Dear Abby: My retired friend calls me many times a week. How can I get him to limit the frequency?
Dear Abby: I have known “Ralph” for many years and consider him one of my best friends. We share many interests, and through the years we have frequently discussed them over the phone.
Dear Abby: My best pal is bored. So he fills his time by filling up my voicemail
Dear Abby: I have known “Ralph” for many years and consider him one of my best friends. We share many interests, and through the years we have frequently discussed them over the phone.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
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