Dear Abby: Navigating a Prickly Friendship and Divorce Anger
A reader from Oregon, identified as Change of Heart, writes to Abby about a longtime friend named Marie who has become increasingly difficult to be around. The group of friends, once close, has dwindled to three, and Marie's prickly demeanor is causing the others to spend less time with her. When confronted, Marie simply says, "Love me anyway!" The reader had considered inviting Marie to live with her family, but after Marie showed visible irritation around the reader's grandchildren, the reader's daughter took the children away and questioned Marie's behavior.
Abby responds by suggesting that Marie's disagreeableness may stem from unhappiness with her life circumstances or simply a dislike for young children. She advises against moving Marie in unless private accommodations can be provided and recommends exploring child-free living options that might better suit Marie's needs.
In a second letter, a man going through a divorce expresses his devastation and anger. He admits to mistakes in business and finances that eroded his wife's trust. Despite agreeing to start over, his wife moved ahead of him, met other men, and ended the relationship upon his arrival. He struggles to let go of his anger.
Abby advises him to consult an attorney to address financial and child support matters, as his wife appears resolute in ending the marriage. She also recommends seeking help from a mental health professional to manage his anger and move forward. Dear Abby is written by Jeanne Phillips and founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips.
