Dear Abby: I’m embarrassed to admit that my daughter doesn’t speak to us

DEAR ABBY: A few years ago, my daughter went “no contact” with both sides of our family — grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, as well as cousins. Since then, I have been struggling with how I should answer acquaintances who ask, “How is she doing?” as well as those who ask, “Do you have children?” I have been told by friends and family that I should tell the acquaintances that I don’t know why because she doesn’t speak to the family. However, I have found this response leads to more uncomfortable questions.

I am embarrassed to have to tell people “Yes, but she does not speak to us” — and worse, try to answer “Why?” Lately, I have been telling people, “No, we don’t have children” so I won’t have to explain. Can you advise me how I can answer these questions without explanations, embarrassment or lies? — FORMER PARENT IN WASHINGTON DEAR FORMER PARENT: As a matter of fact, I can. Tell the questioner, “I have one daughter.



We are estranged, and I don’t wish to discuss it further.” Period. It’s the truth.

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.

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