logo
DEAR ABBY: Errant voicemail reveals a troubled relationship

DEAR ABBY: Errant voicemail reveals a troubled relationship

Yahooa day ago
DEAR ABBY: I recently received a voicemail from my brother that recorded a conversation he was having with his wife. It was clear he didn't know he had accidentally dialed my phone during this conversation. It was an argument, which lasted two minutes before there was a pause in the conversation and he hung up.
I haven't addressed it with him yet because I am shocked at my sister-in-law's behaviour during this conversation, and the way she treats my brother. I have known for a while that she blames others for situations she should share the blame in, but I had never heard her in a private conversation until this voicemail.
My brother must know those two minutes live on my phone, although we haven't spoken about it. I want to talk with him and tell him that I heard what she said. I'd like him to know I hope she treats him with respect, and that she sounds ungrateful for all the hard work he puts in at his job in their one-income household with two children. How should I handle this? — OVERHEARD IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR OVERHEARD: Talk to your brother and express that the fight between him and his wife was partially recorded on your phone. Then tell him you don't mean to pry, but think he and his wife could benefit from marital counselling if they are both willing. (I hope he will listen and have some sessions, even if his wife refuses.)
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are retired. He sits in his recliner chair all day, every day. He says he is 'studying his Bible' or watching YouTube videos. He also sleeps 12 to 14 hours after he goes to bed around 8 p.m. most nights. This has been going on for at least a year, and I am SICK of it. I want a companion to do things with.
Nothing I have done or said motivates him to get up and move. Since I am not willing to accept this lifestyle for myself, I take classes at the Y three to five times a week, go to lunch with friends, read and attend our neighbourhood book club, paint and do crafts, and talk with or email friends. Most nights, I watch TV upstairs by myself. I may as well be single! Any suggestions? — UNCOUPLED IN SOUTH CAROLINA
DEAR UNCOUPLED: Get that husband of yours to his doctor for a thorough physical and neurological examination. People of every age need SOME form of exercise. When people who weren't sedentary spend all day, every day sitting, it is dangerous to their health. Your husband could suffer from any number of ailments, including depression. Making sure he has been checked out could be life changing not only for him but also for you.
DEAR ABBY: When the hostess offers you leftovers after a nice meal, how much should you take? — WONDERING IN THE SOUTH
DEAR WONDERING: Don't be greedy. Leave enough food for other guests to take some home if they wish, and don't forget to do the same for your hostess.
— Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Three rescued from Lake Michigan near Holland after being separated from watercraft
Three rescued from Lake Michigan near Holland after being separated from watercraft

Yahoo

time32 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Three rescued from Lake Michigan near Holland after being separated from watercraft

Three people were rescued from Lake Michigan near the Holland Channel on July 6 after being separated from their watercrafts, according to Park Township. The Park Township Fire Department's Marine Division responded to assist the Graafschap Fire Department with a water rescue about a mile south of the Holland Channel around 8 p.m. July 6, responders wrote in a release. Two individuals, both wearing life jackets, had fallen off and become separated from their personal watercraft. They drifted about 100-200 yards from shore in wave conditions up to eight feet, according to responders. A nearby kayaker provided initial assistance by allowing the individuals to hang onto his kayak, but he eventually became separated from his own vessel and required rescue as well. The PTFD Marine Division responded using a personal watercraft equipped with a life sled. All three individuals were successfully rescued, evaluated on-scene, and released. One firefighter sustained an injury during the rescue and was transported by AMR Ambulance to Holland Hospital for evaluation. They were treated and later released. Additional support was provided by the Holland Department of Public Safety and the United States Coast Guard. The PTFD Marine Division, in a release, stressed the importance of wearing a life jacket while taking part in activities on the water. Stay informed and connected: Download our app to receive the latest updates on important news 'This incident underscores the importance of always wearing a life jacket when operating or riding on a personal watercraft,' the department wrote. According to social media posts from Holland State Park, there were double red flag conditions on Lake Michigan at 8:30 p.m. July 6. Before that, there were red flag conditions beginning around 7:15 p.m. — Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@ This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Three rescued from Lake Michigan near Holland on July 6

Woman Rejects Niece's Offer to Sew Her a Dress for a Work Event. Her Family Calls Her 'Superficial'
Woman Rejects Niece's Offer to Sew Her a Dress for a Work Event. Her Family Calls Her 'Superficial'

Yahoo

time41 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Woman Rejects Niece's Offer to Sew Her a Dress for a Work Event. Her Family Calls Her 'Superficial'

A woman's family wasn't thrilled after she said no to a handmade outfit for a big event She explained why this particular moment wasn't the time for a DIY project The backlash from her refusal sparked a much bigger family debate — and now her sister-in-law is accusing her of being superficialA woman is turning to the Reddit community for advice after her decision not to let her niece sew her a dress for an important career event sparked family tension. 'I love my niece, and I support her creative expression,' she writes in her post, emphasizing that she's more than happy to wear her niece's handmade items in casual settings. She adds, 'I've told her that she could make me a dress for running around the house, running errands, hanging out, etc.' The aunt has even worn an acrylic scarf her niece crocheted for years, admitting, 'It's not because it looks good.' She appreciates the effort but is honest about the results, noting that her niece's skills are still developing. Her niece, inspired by YouTube and TikTok tutorials, lacks some experience. 'She doesn't know how to work off patterns, make tailoring adjustments, choose the right fabric, etc.,' the woman explains. She describes how her niece prefers to make garments from thrifted sheets or old shorts, sometimes skipping important finishing touches. 'But she doesn't take the time to do things like pressing or finishing seams, trimming or sewing in ends, etc. When I've suggested it to her, she said it's more authentic the way she does it,' the aunt shares. When her niece begged to make her an outfit for an upcoming event in which she'd be on stage, the woman tried to let her down gently. 'I ... said that I had a dress being tailored as we speak,' she recalls, hoping to avoid hurting her niece's feelings. Her niece pushed back, insisting that wearing something handmade "would be special and a bonding experience for us,' the woman writes. The aunt adds that her family is 'obsessed with 'bonding experiences,' ' but admits she finds the constant pressure "exhausting,' she confides. Standing her ground, she repeated her refusal. 'I reiterated my no, saying 'No, I do not want you to make me anything,' ' she states, making her boundaries clear. Her decision sparked criticism from her sister-in-law, who accused her of caring too much about her appearance and image. She explained that the event is related to her career and she wanted to present herself professionally, especially as a "plus-sized" woman who feels her appearance is judged more harshly. 'The last thing I need to do is walk up on stage in something that doesn't fit, or looks like it was made with a sheet,' she says. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The aunt notes that her sister-in-law's complaints about her being superficial are not new. She recalls, 'I dared to buy ONE designer bag for myself and she did the whole thing you see on Reels, the whole 'STUPID! I would just thrift a bag and put the rest of my money IN the bag!' bit.' She also remembers being criticized for wanting to choose her own wedding décor, with her sister-in-law suggesting she was more interested in the wedding than the marriage. For the woman, her career is her top priority right now. "Obviously for my SIL, her child is the most important thing in the world to her,' she says. Now, she turns to Reddit to ask if she's wrong for putting her career ahead of her niece's feelings. "Don't give these people any information and they'll have nothing to harangue you about. And when they do, just say uh huh or okay cheerily and walk away. Learn how to facilitate both of your new terms and make them your skill set," offers one commenter. Adds another, "I've been a professional seamstress. Those finishing steps are crucial. Niece does not snip her threads, does not press her seams flat, and probably does no altering after the garment is made, all of which are necessary to ensure a good fit and a clean look ... Tell niece if she wants to try making a gown you'd gladly model it for her TikTok, but that you don't want to put the weight of this event on your nieces shoulders. If she has never attempted a formal look before now is NOT the time for a first try." Read the original article on People

Albino deer fawn rescued in Northern California dies from injuries
Albino deer fawn rescued in Northern California dies from injuries

CBS News

timean hour ago

  • CBS News

Albino deer fawn rescued in Northern California dies from injuries

An injured albino deer fawn taken in recently by a Northern California wildlife rescue has died, officials say. Gold Country Wildlife Rescue said, last week, they took in an albino Black-Tailed deer fawn. Rescuers said the fawn was found stuck in a fence, leaving the animal with serious injuries. Where the fawn was found was not disclosed. The fawn later died from its injuries, the rescue announced Sunday. ✨A Rare and Remarkable Visitor✨ This past week, we welcomed an incredibly rare patient to Gold Country Wildlife... Posted by Gold Country Wildlife Rescue on Sunday, July 6, 2025 "While loss is a hard reality in wildlife rehabilitation, we were honored to provide this little one with compassionate care, comfort, and dignity during its final days," Gold Country Wildlife Rescue said in a statement. Wildlife experts say the chances of someone seeing an albino deer in the wild is about 1 in 30,000. Notably, Gold Country Wildlife Rescue said the fawn was the first albino deer they had ever taken in. Gold Country Wildlife Rescue is located in Auburn and takes in a wide variety of injured wild animals, from birds to bears.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store