Advice Dear Abby: I had a breakdown in a small town, and the social fallout is rough Published: Jun. 27, 2025, 2:00 a.m.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips.

A reader asks Dear Abby how to respond when a co-worker constantly complains about teachers. Abby advises standing up for educators—and speaking from the heart about how those comments feel.

DEAR ABBY: My spouse and I are retired and on Social Security. We’ve both worked hard all our lives and are content living a modest retirement. Our house is paid for, and we have little debt.

DEAR ABBY: My spouse and I are retired and on Social Security. We’ve both worked hard all our lives and are content living a modest retirement. Our house is paid for, and we have little debt. However, ...