A woman writes to Dear Abby about her cousin's troubling life choices following her second child's birth, including leaving her husband and engaging with toxic partners. Tension escalates as the cousin isolates herself from family, rejecting offers of help. The writer is conflicted about whether to confront her cousin about her alarming behavior or to maintain a supportive presence despite the risk of rejection. Dear Abby advises expressing love and concern, while also establishing healthy boundaries for herself and the cousin, emphasizing the importance of honest communication.
Dear Cousin: Tell your cousin you love her dearly, but she's making some serious mistakes, and you are afraid for her future. It's the truth.
Let her know that watching her estrange herself from her family has been painful for you, and if things donât turn out as she hopes, you will be there for her.
But sheâs trying to manipulate her ex-husband into giving her more alimony money, while she runs around with a man who verbally abuses her in public.
You shouldn't cut her off, because you think she genuinely needs help and is experiencing something very challenging.
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