Dear Abbey,
After getting to know my wife, I ended my marriage for 24 years. He also had a relationship with the couple for nine years, in addition to some one-night stands. She also gave me a sexually transmitted disease. I admit it’s difficult to live with, but I was loyal.
We couldn’t agree on parenting, finances, health, fitness, diet, religion, politics, etc. Although I worked hard, I am now an active father, participating in all games, concerts and activities, teaching and teaching children in music and the arts.
To help other men deal with unfaithfulness, divorce and mental health grief, I started sharing my experience on social media platforms. My top kid now chooses to “write me down” and refuses to speak to me. I’m hurt, but I respect her decision. I won’t silence my story because it’s an empowerment tool for other men. Is there a way to build a relationship with this adult child?
— Midwest disappointed dad
Your daughter may be embarrassed or angry because you publicly label her mother as an adulterer. If she is willing to admit that every story often has two sides, she may repair the fence, but that doesn’t happen until she’s ready, and you force it. I can not do.
Dear Abbey,
I noticed that many obituaries omit the place where the person worked. Many people worked in the same place for years. Colleagues and acquaintances would like to pay tribute to the deceased. Too often, the person is put to rest by the time they find it.
My deceased wife has been a nurse for nearly 40 years and has interacted with many people. The overflow of love from her family, friends and acquaintances from her social and work life was overwhelming and heartfelt. She is said to be forever memorable if her loved one has memories of touching the lives of others.
People, don’t let their memories fade. Inform your family that you will include your loved one’s work history in your obituary, especially if you work with the general public.
— I remember it well in Ohio
Obituaries read in newspapers are expensive, so writers may try to concise obituaries to save money. But I’m printing your helpful reminders for those who might need it.
Dear Abbey,
I thought it would be okay to call the monk “dad” or “dad”. Why or why not?
— Contemplate in the west
I asked your question to Father Guy Glass, a longtime friend of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He laughed and told me this was an eccentric joke among Catholics. (!) He went on to say no formal answer to your question. Calling a monk a “dad” can offend some people. He suggests using the correct term “father,” “pastor,” or “pastor.” Thank you, Father Guy.
Dear Abbey, was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips.Contact Dear Abbey www.DearAbby.com Or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA90069.
This article was originally published in The Providence Journal: Dear Abbey: A man uses his wife’s infidelity to create an online persona