Dear Abby: How can I tell my friend she thinks she needs a mental health assessment?
She has been my close friend for 20 years and we have gone through many challenges together. She has been married to a very nice person for several years.
Abby, she's sure she's been followed, but she doesn't know who or why. She tells me about the awful argument she has with her husband because I think she adjusted the situation in a public place.
For example, she claims that he is in a position to look at other women. The poor are blind in one eye and the other has limited vision.
She also believes his ex-wife is cheating with him, and although he has been divorced for 20 years, he is probably cheating with her. She has entered into his contact with his grandchildren and his family.
I should add that her mother was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease around her age. It's heartbreaking to see.
I have mentioned it many times, suggesting that she speaks to a pastor (she thinks the church might be on top of it) or therapist, but she tends to dodge it.
When I try to contact her husband, she comes to think I am a traitor. I don't know how to help. Please let us know. – Arizona Trains
Dear Train Reck: From the explanation of your friend's delusional and irrational behavior, she appears to be sick.
She needs to be evaluated by a doctor, as neither you nor I are eligible to diagnose her what was wrong.
Discussing this with her troubled husband, who may be at a loss as to how to deal with her actions, will not betray her. It's very positive to see her get help, not betrayal.
Dear Abby: I am a “young” elderly person (age 90). I see it and act, so people sometimes think I'm in my early 60s. I have been widowed three times by a woman younger than me
I recently met a woman whom I am very fascinated with. I think emotions are mutual. We have a lot in common.
The conversation lasted more than three hours when we first spoke on the phone.
Last night, while talking to her on the phone, I learned that I was a year older than her mother. Do you recommend “back-off”? – Colorado's only numbers
Dear Numbers: If this woman's mother was 89, she probably had a daughter between the ages of 20 and 30. This will make a woman you're attracted to between 59 and 69.
I don't think there's any reason you would “retreat” or ambiguous about your age. The two have a lot in common so enjoy the relationship.
(If she is brave enough to be with you after you kill three young women, then she has more strength!)
Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069 at Dearabby.com.
