Dear Abby: I am 12 and have bad problems at school. Whenever I’m behind, can’t figure out a problem or just want to get it done, I cheat.
I’m home-schooled, and my mom is my teacher, which means the answer books are in my “classroom.” I have tried to stop, but some-times I can’t resist the temptation.
I have asked Mom to lock away the answer books, but she won’t. There-for I continue to cheat. What should I do? — Cheater in California
Dear Cheater: Quit cheating, reorganize your time, and get extra help with your subjects if you need it. Yes, you can “ace” a test — but if you haven’t learned the material, you will pay a penalty.
Look at your letter. It contains two errors. At some point, you will have to take responsibility for your actions.
Dear Abby: I have been married to “Jim” for three years. We married after a very short courtship and had been generally happy.
Our finances were OK. Then Jim lost his job and had to get one that paid less. He forged on, but I wanted him to find something that paid more because the bills were eating us alive. I discovered his account was always overdrawn.
I sent him a text message saying I wanted a divorce, but because I thought HE wanted out. I folded his things, and when I came home after work I found his keys and wedding band on the kitchen counter.
Abby, I love my husband. Please help me. — Adrift in Anderson, SC
Dear Adrift: Give Jim time to sort out his feelings. He probably knows you want to reconcile.
It appears neither of you was ready for a marriage you rushed into. Premarital counseling would have shown you that your attitudes about money were not in harmony. And sending him a message that you wanted a divorce was rash and immature.
IF Jim wants to try again, it is important the two of you improve your verbal communication. If he doesn’t, you will have to learn that you can’t unring a bell, so choose your words and tone carefully.
Write Dear Abby at or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
