A woman’s letter to Dear Abby reveals the delicate balance between maintaining a household atmosphere conducive to a cancer patient’s needs and navigating frequent family visits. She worries about causing offense if she asks her children to reduce their visits, yet seeks a more peaceful environment for her husband’s healing.

A recent Dear Abby column tackles the fears of a reader who has chosen not to have children yet worries about growing old without support. Abigail Van Buren delivers a clear message that parenting is never a guarantee of future care.

A teacher seeking guidance shared that acting “meaner” in the classroom seems to improve life back home. According to this “Dear Abby” piece, big shifts at school unexpectedly strengthen the teacher’s bond with the “girls” under their roof.