My friend of 50 years has died, and her family is excluding me.

My friend of 50 years has died, and her family is excluding me.

Dear Abby: A Loss and Confusion A close friend of mine for 50 years passed away a few months back. I sent a fruit basket to her family and tried to reach out by phone, but couldn’t get through. I also emailed and texted but received no response. Additionally, I sent a get well card […]

Ethicist offers guidance to liberal with a friend who is married to a Trump supporter

Ethicist offers guidance to liberal with a friend who is married to a Trump supporter

Advice on Navigating Political Friendships The New York Times Magazine’s “Ethicist” column offers thoughts on handling friendships amidst political divides, particularly focusing on a reader’s struggles with a friend living in a conservative town. This friend is, interestingly, married to a Trump supporter. The columnist, Kwame Anthony Appiah, advises approaching such situations with empathy. An […]

My friend prefers not to get involved in her daughter’s harmful marriage.

My friend prefers not to get involved in her daughter's harmful marriage.

Dear Abby: Concern for Friend’s Family Dear Abby: My best friend “Pat” and I live far apart, and I’m really worried about her daughter and granddaughter, “Mandy.” Pat’s stepson is verbally abusive, constantly degrading Pat’s daughter and telling Mandy that her mom is at fault. Mandy is just three years old, and she doesn’t react […]

Should I cut ties with my friend who keeps ruining relationships?

Should I cut ties with my friend who keeps ruining relationships?

Dear Abby: I have a friend named “Laurie” who I’ve known for a long time. She often tries to bring my husband and me along to hang out, but I don’t fully trust her, so I usually say no. (I do trust my husband, though.) Even though we’ve supported each other in tough times, I […]