Dear Abby

I’ve been a reader of your column for 40 years, and now I’m facing a tough situation. For the past two years, I’ve been taking care of my wife’s uncle, who had a stroke. I even trained as a certified nursing assistant to manage his care at home, tending to him around the clock.

The issue is that my wife isn’t helping at all. Recently, her sister moved in with us to finish her RN, but honestly, she hasn’t been any help either.

So, I’ve decided to return to school for my master’s in cybersecurity. I work about 60 hours a week and juggle that with studying. I recently told my wife that if her sister doesn’t leave by the end of the year, I might need to go too.

I’m considering sending her uncle back to a nursing home. I just can’t manage this any longer. Over the last two years, I’ve only had four days off, and when I was sick with the flu, I couldn’t even do laundry.

Am I wrong for wanting to pursue a career? Is it selfish of me to want a home just for my wife and me? — Exhausted in the East

Exhausted dear: It was thoughtful of you to become a CNA for your wife’s uncle. However, it seems unfair that your wife isn’t doing anything to lighten your load and brought her sister into the situation without discussing it with you first.

Marriage should be a partnership, but it sounds like you’re carrying the weight alone. Wanting a career and the financial stability that comes with it is completely valid, and you shouldn’t have to feel guilty about it.

Dear Abby: Two years ago, my husband and a close friend asked me to be their “best couple” at their wedding.

The wedding was delayed for a year due to family issues but is finally happening soon. My husband and I have been married for 25 years, and our bond is strong.

Recently, we learned we wouldn’t be walking together as a couple during the ceremony. We’re both feeling pretty hurt about this. It feels like our friends are not respecting our relationship.

I’m confused about why they wouldn’t pair us up. I was really upset, even crying for days. I feel disrespected and unvalued.

I also made it clear that I was uncomfortable with my husband walking with another woman while I would be with another man, but our friends just brushed that off.

I’m really reconsidering whether I even want to go to the wedding anymore. Am I overreacting? — Enthusiastic but not satisfied

Dear Dedicated People: Please take a breath and dry those tears. Your feelings might seem a bit excessive.

Since you and your husband have been a recognized couple for so long, it’s puzzling why they’d choose to have the couple walk down the aisle separately. Maybe it’s just a matter of pairing attendants of similar heights or something like that.

Still, consider attending the wedding to support your friends. It’s just one day, and you’ll likely find yourselves seated together after the ceremony.