Dear Abby: Confessions and Concerns
Dear Abby: I’m a man in my 60s who’s been divorced. There’s a woman in my neighborhood who, twelve years ago, seemed attracted to me when I was outside blowing smoke from my back deck. I was in the shower when she arrived at my place. She had permission to come in, and I remember her walking over to the fireplace. Then, as I stepped out of the shower, we both froze—there I was, naked. She looked directly at me, then her eyes drifted down. It felt like an eternity, maybe two seconds, and she smiled, quickly turning to head back out to the deck as if nothing had happened.
I still think about that moment. My heart raced, like when you first meet someone intriguing. She was married then, so I didn’t pursue anything. Honestly, it might be why I keep replaying that day in my mind, since I haven’t been with anyone since my divorce 16 years ago. We’re still friends, but we’ve never mentioned that incident. I’m unsure what to do next. – The hidden emotions of Pennsylvania
Dear Hidden: Perhaps it’s time to shake things up. Start by addressing those feelings—maybe even by revisiting that shower moment in a more figurative way. Also, consider checking out dating sites; it sounds like you might be ready to explore new connections.
Dear Abby: I’m very close to my grandmother, who is 83 and fiercely independent. She’s always busy and loves to zip around town. However, I’m concerned about her driving. She has a reckless style—speeding up and panicking on the road. If she spots someone jaywalking, she accelerates, seemingly to scare them. It’s dangerous, and I’ve told her repeatedly that her driving is unsafe, but she insists she’s never caused an accident. I worry that her reflexes aren’t what they used to be and that she might hurt herself or someone else. How can I convince her to drive more safely? – Scary in Canada
Dear Scary: It’s crucial to take your concerns seriously. In some places, aggressive driving can lead to legal consequences, especially if it endangers pedestrians. You might want to consult an attorney for insights specific to Canadian traffic laws. Mention to your grandmother that her judgment is slipping; at her age, response times naturally slow down. It’s important to realize that not everyone will react the same way when they feel threatened by speeding vehicles. Some people might freeze, leading to serious harm.
Dear Abby was established by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was originally created by her mother, Pauline Phillips.
