Dear Abby: Strung along by secretive ex-turned-lover

Boston Herald - Dec 17th, 2024

In a Dear Abby column, three readers seek advice on personal dilemmas. The first, from 'Situationship in California,' is about a woman who is in a complex relationship with her ex-fiance. Despite meeting regularly and feeling loved, he won't share his address and is non-committal about their future. Abby suggests he might be hiding something and advises her to find someone who wants the same future. The second, from 'Secretive in New York,' is a straight man who enjoys wearing women's biker shorts and leggings secretly. Abby reassures him that it's okay and he isn't harming anyone. The third, from 'Smooched in Wisconsin,' discusses an unwanted habit of a brother-in-law who kisses family members on the lips. Abby advises being direct to stop the unwanted behavior, even if it risks embarrassment.

Relationship Advice Personal Issues Self Improvement Boundaries Cross Dressing

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RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article is a Dear Abby advice column, which primarily offers personal advice rather than factual reporting. As such, it scores differently on various dimensions compared to a standard news article.

Accuracy

The accuracy of the article is reasonable for its context since it deals with personal advice rather than verifiable facts. The advice given is based on common social norms and personal insights rather than empirical data.

Balance

The article does not aim to present multiple perspectives as it is focused on providing personal advice. It does not explore differing viewpoints or the perspectives of the other parties involved.

Clarity

The language is clear and straightforward, suitable for the advice column format. It avoids complex language and is structured to address each letter individually.

Source quality

The source quality is consistent with advice columns, relying on the reputation of Dear Abby. However, since it is an advice column, it does not cite external sources or research.

Transparency

The column is transparent about the nature of the advice being offered. However, it does not disclose any potential biases or affiliations, as it is not expected in this format.