Texarkana Gazette

Advice

Prenup becomes roadblock on couple's path to the altar Dear Abby: I have a delightful, caring, loving man in my life. We knew each other years ago when we were married to other people. Three years ago, after a couple of years of courtship, he asked me to move in. Published Nov. 28 2020 @ 1:05am

Gift of Christmas cookies more curse than blessing Dear Abby: Every year for the last 15 years or so, my husband's sister has sent us a huge box of homemade cookies for Christmas. My husband is from a large family, and she does this for each family. I know it involves a great deal of time and effort on her part, and she sends them via priority mail, which means an additional expense. Published Nov. 26 2020 @ 4:16pm

Parents ask for wedding seating switch Dear Heloise: At our son's recent wedding, my husband and I asked the bride's parents if we could sit on the left side for the ceremony while they sat on the right. That way, we could see our son's face and not his back while they said their vows and exchanged rings. — Linda S., Papillion, Neb. Published Nov. 26 2020 @ 4:15pm

One soft drink a day is too much Two living presidents are avowed diet-soda fanatics. Bill Clinton is so identified with the beverage that he reportedly placed a Diet Coke, along with other items, in a time capsule at his official presidential library. And reports say Donald Trump downs as many as 12 Diet Cokes a day. Published Nov. 26 2020 @ 4:08pm

Letters from elderly father are thinly veiled criticisms Dear Abby: I could use some advice on the best response to my 89-year-old father's letters. He cleverly inserts insults into them without writing anything for which he could be criticized. Published Nov. 25 2020 @ 5:26pm

Saying goodbye to inflammation At the end of October, more than 5,600 firefighters continued to battle 22 wildfires in California — on the 28th alone, they responded to 29 blazes. You can bet they wished it were as easy to dampen the destructive power of those flames as it is to tamp down inflammation and resulting health hazards in your body! Published Nov. 25 2020 @ 5:23pm

The laws of leftovers and other holiday words of advice Dear Readers: Today is Thanksgiving 2020. This year has been unlike any other, but we have learned so much. Let's continue to follow our COVID protocols (social distancing, handwashing, masking up, staying home if we feel sick), and let's also always look for the good in every situation. That's how we grow. — Heloise Published Nov. 25 2020 @ 5:20pm

Get organized for holiday baking Dear Heloise: I read your helpful hints every day in the paper. Published Nov. 24 2020 @ 4:25pm

Daughter dishes out criticism but can't take it from mom Dear Abby: Recently, I kindly and lovingly gave my daughter some feedback on how she berates her husband in front of my 8-year-old grandson. I told her I didn't want him to grow up thinking that's how we treat the people we love. To make a long story short, she said that if I wanted to estrange myself from her, I had succeeded. I remained calm and loving and told her she could use the feedback if it was helpful, or ignore it if it wasn't. She has now blocked me! Published Nov. 24 2020 @ 4:24pm

How aspirin could extend your life Since aspirin became widely available in the late 1800s, it's been advocated for use in many odd ways, from birth control to prolonging the life of a Christmas tree. Fortunately, the modern science behind this common pain reliever's powers is far more reliable — and ever-growing. Published Nov. 24 2020 @ 4:22pm

Coworker's drama could affect friend Dear Abby: I moved to town not long before the pandemic and don't have many close friends here. One of my best friends is a co-worker, "Ronna," whom I love dearly. Published Nov. 23 2020 @ 4:04pm

Grandma's system keeps children safe Dear Heloise: When I'm out with my Grands (ages 8, 7, 5 and 4), we have a system if any of them were to get separated from me. They are to go to an adult and ask if they are a grandma or a grandpa. Published Nov. 23 2020 @ 4:02pm

Increase your cancer fighting powers Christina Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, at age 36. She had a double mastectomy and has been cancer-free since then. One reason, according to a Danish lab study published in eLife, may be her exercise routine. The vegetarian actress and breast cancer activist does a combination of cardio, weight training and a core workout for at least two hours a day, five days a week. Published Nov. 23 2020 @ 3:59pm

OPINION | Millennial Money: Financial advice that rarely fits all When I hear financial tips that are unrealistic or shame-inducing, I cringe. Any advice that makes complicated money moves seem like an easy path to profit is downright dangerous. by Sara Rathner | NerdWallet Published Nov. 23 2020 @ 1:22am

OPINION: The case for shopping on Black Friday in 2020 Like most things in 2020, Black Friday won't be the same this year. by Courtney Jespersen | NerdWallet Published Nov. 23 2020 @ 1:16am

Family photos at risk after brother-in-law's death Dear Abby: My husband's sister passed away in 2013. Her husband, "Roger," joined her in heaven three months ago. Published Nov. 21 2020 @ 5:36pm

Some reasons why dogs do what they do Dear Readers: OK, we are just going to go there, lay it bare and talk about it. Why do dogs sometimes eat poop? This is called coprophagia, and there are several reasons for it. Let's check them out. Published Nov. 21 2020 @ 5:33pm

Worn out and worn down? What to do about fatigue When The Beatles crooned "I'm So Tired," they aptly described a sleepless night fueled by upset over a relationship gone wrong. And that certainly describes one form of weariness. Published Nov. 21 2020 @ 5:31pm

Foods to help keep blood pressure stable Q: I just started taking blood pressure medication, but I want to also use diet to get my hypertension under control. Are there specific foods I should eat? — Hank G., Atlanta Published Nov. 20 2020 @ 7:56pm

Engagement ring is not what she expected Dear Abby: When my then-boyfriend asked me to marry him, he didn't have a ring ready, but I happily accepted his proposal. We were in our late 20s and had been dating for almost 10 years. He then took me to the jewelry store so I could select one to my taste and liking (within budget). We took a picture of the ring, and he told me he would bring his mother back to the jewelry shop with him so she could help with the price haggling. Published Nov. 20 2020 @ 7:52pm

Beat back diabetes one sip at a time In 2012, a Brooklyn bagel maker offered a special beverage called Larry King Sunrise Coffee to honor the broadcast journalist, who served as the company's spokesman. King, who has Type 2 diabetes, could certainly use some coffee to make it through his early-morning and late-night broadcasts, but his cup of java may have helped fight off diabetes complications too. Published Nov. 19 2020 @ 5:48pm

Two ways to frame the family Dear Heloise: I enjoy reading your column very much. Many good hints. Published Nov. 19 2020 @ 5:47pm

Woman's lying pushes friendship to the limit Dear Abby: I have a good friend I'll call Josie. She's kind, generous and always willing to help. There is only one problem — she lies. Published Nov. 19 2020 @ 5:46pm