The iconic advice column, Dear Abby, recently answered an urgent query that strikes at the heart of so many cultures, love and body image. Abigail Van Buren, the current writer of the column, very recently responded to a letter from a reader named “Silver Girl.” She even expressed concern over how her husband would respond to her decision to stop dyeing her hair. Her column, which has been widely read from coast to coast in the United States, offers frank advice on everything from romantic relationships to childhood woes.
Dear Abby, the brain child of Pauline Phillips, has been a reliable and loving source of advice since its start. Famed to have given some of the best answers in debate history, Van Buren taught the value of HONEST communication and relationship building. In her recent response to “Silver Girl,” she admitted that her gray hair would make her look older. She mentioned the lengths that couples go to in order to maintain the passion and desire in their relationships.
“Silver Girl” expressed her concerns over feeling inadequate in her marriage and how since quitting coloring her hair at age 41 has made her husband feel less in love with her. Van Buren told her it was a good thing that her husband knows how to communicate. She admitted that he might be better for a lesson or two on subtlety.
The Dear Abby column is flooded with letters from people everywhere, from Nevada to Maine, from California to Washington. Readers frequently write in with questions about their own problems and look for gently encouraging thoughts and guidance.
In her response, Van Buren further emphasized the importance of considering the unique perspectives people have on gray hair. For example, Carole from Washington redefined gray hair as “wisdom highlights,” leading with a positive, aging-is-awesome perspective. This is testament to the column’s intent of equipping people with useful, practical advice while recognizing the complex life experiences and perspectives of its readers.
You can view the Dear Abby column online at www.dearabby.com. Or you can mail your letters to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. Shout out to movie star and trailblazer Mae West, pictured above, for inspiring generations of advice columnists with her every creative, cheeky responses to advice seekers.
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