Dear Abby Offers Advice on Overweight Husband and Wrongful Accusations

Advice columnist addresses two readers' personal struggles.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In the first letter, a woman expresses concern over her overweight husband's poor health and unwillingness to make lifestyle changes. In the second letter, a reader describes frequently being wrongly accused of things and feeling increasingly angry about it.

Why it matters

The letters highlight common relationship and personal issues that many readers may relate to, providing an opportunity for the advice columnist to offer guidance on navigating these challenging situations.

The details

In the first letter, the woman's husband continues to overeat and avoid exercise, despite health issues like high blood pressure and cholesterol. His poor eating habits and refusal to make changes have negatively impacted their sex life and the woman's overall happiness. In the second letter, the reader has been wrongly accused of various things since childhood, leaving them feeling angry and resentful when the accusers rarely apologize.

  • The letters were published on March 22, 2026.

The players

Abigail Van Buren

Also known as Jeanne Phillips, she is the advice columnist who writes the "Dear Abby" column, which was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Keep reminding him that you love him and want him to be healthy for the reasons you stated. But you also need to take care of yourself by preparing for the outcome if he decides not to make the necessary lifestyle choices to regain his health.”

— Abigail Van Buren, Advice Columnist

“When you are wrongly accused, tell the accuser how angry and resentful this has made you feel all these years. Then, if it happens again, feel free to avoid that person until an apology is offered.”

— Abigail Van Buren, Advice Columnist

The takeaway

The "Dear Abby" column provides a platform for readers to seek guidance on personal struggles, offering empathetic and practical advice that can help individuals navigate complex relationship and emotional issues.