June 26, 2021 Issue, Page 5 of 8

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5 June 26, 2021 Activities Teen’s sudden death comes amid fractured friendship funeral and sit in the back. If, also being lied to. In addition, Dear Abby however, you decide to do this, your in-laws’ behavior is emo- do not go with any expectation tionally abusive. (Could they DEAR ABBY: Last year, af- it will heal the breach in your ter a falling out with some- have been told things about relationship. one I have been friends with you that aren’t true?) Offer for more than 20 years, I was DEAR ABBY: I was happily your husband the option of OK with writing this person married for almost 20 years. marriage and family therapy off and going on with my life. Suddenly my husband became and a chance to repair what From my understanding, this withdrawn, obviously unhap- went wrong. However, if he re- person felt the same way. py, and moved out. He keeps fuses, quit being so accommo- Last week, their teenage son telling me we are going to dating, close your checkbook died in a terrible accident. I spend the rest of our lives to- and move on with your life. was heartbroken. I truly cared gether, that we aren’t divorced, about the boy and had watched just “taking a break.” him grow up. I reached out and DEAR ABBY: After an invi- Although I had a great re- received no response (as I ex- lationship with his family, tation to visit, how long can I pected). I’m torn about wheth- they no longer speak to me. stay before I’m imposing? -- er I should go to the funeral My family still treats him the TOO LONG IN NEW MEXICO and how it would be perceived. same. He has a friend who is I want to show support, but always whispering in his ear DEAR TOO LONG: It de- I’m concerned I’m not wanted about how terrible I am. My pends upon the relationship there. I’m also concerned that husband denies it, but I have you have with the person who if I don’t go it will look awful seen the text messages. As far and disrespectful, since I have invited you. Usually, when an as I know, I haven’t done any- been a part of this boy’s life. thing to this friend. invitation is extended, it is I don’t know what to do. -- Between my husband’s pay- for a specified time period -- a CARED FOR HIM IN OHIO days, I help him out financially. week, a weekend, etc. We’re both close to retirement Two truisms apply here: DEAR CARED FOR HIM: age because we married late, “Guests, like fish, begin to You may not have heard from and we still have a teenager smell after three days” (Benja- the family because they are at home. Do I wait for him to min Franklin), and “One of the grieving and not communicat- come around, or move on with most important things that ing with everyone. As I see it, my life? I still love him, but Hollywood teaches is to always you have several choices: Send I’m feeling used. -- DISILLU- a condolence card, send flow- SIONED IN THE SOUTH leave your audience hungry for ers, contribute to a charity in a little more” (Howard Brag- the young man’s name and/or DEAR DISILLUSIONED: You man). Crossword go UNOBTRUSIVELY to the are not only being used, but P.S. When in doubt, ask! Current puzzle answers Get Fuzzy Drabble Dailies Pearls Before Swine Garfield Dilbert