Natalia Chi
Dear Abby: I lived in New York all my life. I moved to Florida a year ago for my health and to be closer to my daughter and granddaughter. I have been depressed ever since I came here. I miss New York and my best friend so much. i can’t sleep. I sit and cry and have no energy to do anything. Her daughter has been very nice to me, but when I try to tell her husband how I feel, he doesn’t care. he screams and walks away. I am perplexed. I feel like I can’t move on. Any advice? — move south
Dear Refugees: Your reasons for moving to Florida were reasonable. But emotions are not always rational. Your move puts you in an unfamiliar situation and your support system (your best friend) is no longer there for you.
The symptoms you describe are symptoms of deep depression. Don’t let it become chronic. A few sessions with a qualified mental health advisor can help you adjust to new situations and explore more social interaction options.
PS I wish you had asked me about relocation wisdom before you did it.
Dear Abby: My husband and I have been married for 6 years. The problem is his sister and the emotional hold she seems to have on him.
When I disagree with my husband about it, his reaction is to act like he’s sorry or doesn’t understand why he thinks I’m interfering with her behavior. Sometimes he seems to feel obliged to tell her about our business, the financial situation.
He acts like he’s afraid of her—like she has some sort of emotional hold on him. I would like to revisit this subject in a way that he finally understands my point of view and is not eager to share everything that is going on in our home. — Individual from Illinois
Dear Private: You and your husband were raised in two different kinds of households. he is more open Yours, not so much. I would like to know if your husband divulged this financial information on his own accord or if his sister asked him the question. You may need professional mediation to get them to understand.
Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Abby shares over 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets, “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Please send your name, mailing address, and $16 (U.S. funds) check or money order to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, PO Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. It is an inclusive price.)
