STUFF WE MISSED: Tuesday, May 10, 2022

May 10—A collection of things only available to subscribers on days we don't publish a physical newspaper.

DEAR ABBY

Couple reconnects but can't rekindle the past they had

DEAR ABBY: I met a man, "Gabe," 30 years ago. We had a very good time together. We dated some and even traveled occasionally. I liked him a lot but, when we met, I was divorced and looking for marriage. He was not. I moved for my job, and met and married someone else. Gabe did call to keep in touch for several years, but the calls stopped. I never forgot him.

My husband passed away four years ago, and then COVID hit. Feeling the loneliness of lockdown, I wrote letters to people I hadn't heard from in years. Gabe's was one such letter. He called me after he received it, and we reconnected. We have enjoyed each other's company off and on since then.

I would love to have a deeper relationship with him. Unfortunately, he regards me as nothing more than a friend. He is intelligent, quick-witted, well-traveled and still very handsome. I enjoy his company very much. I've wanted to tell him how I feel, but I don't want to jeopardize what we have together. So here I am, now in my 60s, feeling lost and not knowing how to handle my desire to be with him. What do you think? — LONG HISTORY IN FLORIDA

DEAR HISTORY: If you are looking for more than you already have with Gabe, you are wasting your time. Gabe is satisfied with the relationship just as it is. If he wasn't, believe me, he would have mentioned it. If what you need is someone to "nest" with, you will have to look elsewhere. Sorry, he isn't it.

DEAR ABBY: I am contemplating asking my wife for a divorce. Her 86-year-old mother lives with us. After she moved in, I quickly realized that her mother is a bigot, nosy and has little to no respect for my wife. I could go on and on. Agreeing to her mother moving in was the worst mistake of my life. I avoid her like the plague now.

I can work from home full time, but prefer to drive 75 miles a day to get out of the house. Her mother needs more care now than can be provided at home. However, my wife wants to bring someone in a few days a week, since I no longer work from home. She's just delaying the inevitable.

I believe her mother is more important to her than I am and, if that's the case, I can't change her mind. Aside from this, we have a great marriage. I don't want to lose what I have, but I am prepared to walk away. Advice? — HATES THE HOUSEGUEST

DEAR HATES: I do have some. If assisted living is in your mother-in-law's future, it would be kinder to have her take up residency soon, while she's capable of adjusting to it rather than postponing it until there is an emergency. You are long overdue for a frank and not very pleasant conversation with your wife about how you feel you rank on her list of priorities. Feeling as you do, it may be your only chance of saving your marriage.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS

R&B singer Henry Fambrough (The Spinners) is 84. Actor David Clennon is 79. Filmmaker Jim Abrahams ("The Naked Gun") is 78. Singer Donovan is 76. Singer-songwriter Graham Gouldman (10cc) is 76. Singer Dave Mason is 76. Sports anchor Chris Berman is 67. Rock singer Bono of U2 is 62. Model Linda Evangelista is 57. Rapper Young MC is 55. Actor-singer Todd Lowe is 50. Race car driver Helio Castroneves is 47. Actor Kenan Thompson ("SNL") is 44. Actress Lindsey Shaw ("Pretty Little Liars") is 33.

TODAY'S HOROSCOPE

Use your resources to your advantage. Take time to reflect on the type of life you want to live. Express your desire to strive for balance and equality, and ensure that you spend as much time enjoying life as you do working to maintain your status quo.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Refuse to let anyone limit what you can do or put demands on your time. Don't pout if things don't go your way; choose an alternative route and move along. Act on intelligence, not on emotion.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Do your best to get along without jeopardizing your integrity, position or reputation. Avoid confrontations by walking away from questionable situations. Do what you can to make a difference.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — You can be friendly without putting yourself in harm's way. Approach projects and responsibilities with an open mind and turn some of your unique ideas into something tangible.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Unnecessary changes will be costly. Strive for simplicity and moderation, and you'll be happy with the outcome. Personal growth and a healthy attitude will make you attractive.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — It's up to you to bring about change. Prioritize your agenda, and don't stop until you are happy with the outcome. A unique approach to an old idea or method will emphasize your character and talent.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Dedicate time, not money, to a worthy cause or something you want to pursue. A kind gesture will help you win favors. A challenge at home will turn in your favor if you make positive suggestions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Spend time with people who lift your spirits. Dismiss anyone trying to dump their responsibilities on you. Strive for equality and work toward a goal that brings you joy.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't be too quick to take on something new without researching what's involved. Put more effort into personal and domestic matters that need adjustment. Romance is encouraged.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Take better care of yourself and your loved ones. Say no to manipulative individuals trying to take advantage of you. Make home improvements that will boost your well-being.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Don't let emotions dictate your words. Be thoughtful and understanding when dealing with others. Look for subtle ways to improve how you do your job or handle daily duties.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Take a moment to think. If you act on an assumption, you'll end up having regrets. Focus on what you can do to please loved ones and make yourself happy.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Be positive, regardless of what others do or say. An emotional situation will escalate if you become emotional or act hastily. Consider your objective and what it will take to succeed.

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

By Chuck Sheppard

Anti-Social Media: The Federal Aviation Administration has revoked Trevor Jacob's pilot's license, The New York Times reported on April 20, after concluding that Jacob purposely abandoned a plane he was flying and filmed it crashing into the Los Padres National Forest in California while he parachuted to the ground. Jacob then posted the 13-minute video on YouTube, calling it "I Crashed My Plane." The FAA said Jacob acted in a "careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another." In the video, the propeller can be seen as it stops spinning, and Jacob opens the door and jumps out with a parachute and a selfie stick. The FAA noted, "During this flight, you opened the left side pilot door before you claimed the engine had failed." The agency also noted that Jacob did not contact air traffic control, try to restart the engine or look for a safe place to make an emergency landing. But he got 1.7 million views!