To Abby, please:The second anniversary of my husband’s passing will arrive in a few days. We spent forty years together. His years weren’t easy; he struggled with a lot of mental and physical problems. I was alone because I didn’t want anyone to understand how much I had to deal with on a daily basis. For better or worse, as his wife, I had a strong affection for him.
Although it has been difficult, I thought I was handling things quite well. I believed my life was over at the age of sixty-three. I’m not sure what my body is doing right now, but I’m feeling strong emotions that I thought had long since died. After caring for my husband for so long, I neglected my beauty and weight. However, I’m trying to improve my appearance, I’ve shed a few pounds, and I’m eating healthily today. Why my body has decided to come back to life at this age is beyond me.
I don’t know how to approach older males because I reside in a rural location. After many years of loneliness, I believed that love and hope had died, but now I know that’s not the case. I’m very confused. My body doesn’t listen to me when I tell myself that I’m being ridiculous. This is a serious issue, so please don’t think I’m crazy. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Resurrected in Oklahoma
To the Reawakened:You’ve gone through a challenging period. It is exhausting and frustrating to be a full-time caretaker. It’s not unexpected that you neglected to look after yourself after spending so many years tending to your ailing husband. You have a lot of life ahead of you now that the load has been removed.
The good news is that life is full of opportunities and far from over for someone who looks after herself, exercises frequently, and eats a healthy diet. Your body is attempting to tell you this. Investigate activities that will allow you to meet new people and form friendships. You might run into someone and start dating again if you do.
To Abby, please:I have student loan debt of around $200,000 from my graduate studies. I’m a woman in my middle years with health problems. Like my career, my income is negligible. Years ago, I had thought that by now, I would have a family, a house, a six-figure salary, and some stability. That obviously hasn’t worked out, and I don’t think things will get any better for me.
I am educated, unmarried, and still impoverished. I work over 40 hours a week as a slave for little more than marginal survival, no long-term stability, no home, and no benefits. In the event that I did begin dating someone, how would I explain everything? When should I tell a prospect I owe him money before he runs for the nearest exit? The East’s Financial Problems
To My Financial Troubles:Your bank balance should not be the subject of your first remarks if you are fortunate enough to meet someone you believe is exceptional. Learn about the individual. Before you tell him anything about your financial status, let him get to know you. Many people of both sexes are currently concerned about their financial futures. You’re not the only one who worries about these things.
Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. Get in touch with Dear Abby via P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069, or at www.DearAbby.com.
