Media English Advice Columns

Advice Column A section in the newspaper where readers can write about their problems. They are given advice by an advice columnist on how to solve their problems.

Dear Abby “Dear Abby” is one of the oldest and most popular advice columns in the U.S. 1. ____________________

Dear Abby “Dear Abby” was founded in 1956 by Pauline Phillips under the pen name “Abigail Van Buren.” 2. _________ 3. __________________________ 4. ______________________________

Pauline Phillips died on January 16, 2013, aged 94. Dear Abby Pauline Phillips died on January 16, 2013, aged 94. 5. ______________________________ 6. _____

“Dear Abby” is carried on today by her daughter Jeanne Phillips. 7. ________________________________________________

Dear Abby Advice columns are usually written anonymously. That means you don’t sign your name. 8. _______________________ X Sincerely, Jose Alfredo Encinas

Dear Abby If you write into an advice column, you should sign in a way that describes your problem or situation. Often the city where you live is also mentioned. 9. _______________________________________________ __________________________________ 10. ______________________ ______________

Extremely Jealous in Seoul Dear Abby For example, if you live in Seoul, and you are writing about your boyfriend talking to other girls, you might sign your letter as: Extremely Jealous in Seoul

Dear Abby Or if you live in Los Angeles, and you’re writing about your friend who suddenly stopped talking to you, you might sign your letter as: Lonely in LA

Dear Abby The advisor will usually address the person by the name they signed as. In our example of Extremely Jealous in Seoul, the advisor would start by saying: Dear Jealous,…

Romantic Night Out Comes at a Cost for Relationship

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I have been together for two years DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I have been together for two years. We recently spent a romantic night complete with dinner, drinks – just everything-- that he organized.

I know he was a little stressed about money because he mentioned it.

He asked if I could contribute some money, which I did, and when the bill came, he asked me if I could contribute some more.

I was a little upset because I wasn't planning on spending that much I was a little upset because I wasn't planning on spending that much. He says he is going to pay me back some of it, and now I just feel bad. I told him I didn't enjoy being put in that situation and things got awkward quickly.

– BROKE AND CONFUSED IN NEW YORK Now I am the one apologizing, and I feel like I ruined our night. Do you think I’m overreacting? – BROKE AND CONFUSED IN NEW YORK

DEAR BROKE: I don't think so DEAR BROKE: I don't think so. If your boyfriend couldn't afford to pay for the romantic evening, he should have discussed it with you beforehand so you wouldn't be put in that awkward situation.

Angry Dad Wants to Learn How to Control His Emotions DEAR ABBY: I'm a dad in my 30s and I have a problem. I have had trouble with my anger since I was a kid. I have been getting angrier and angrier with my kids. When they misbehave, I lose my temper and yell at them. It is the way I was raised; however, I feel even worse afterward. I really want to break this habit. I don't want the only memories my children have of me to be images of my red face and bugged-out eyes hollering at them. Do you have any guidelines I can follow to handle my anger better? -- LOUD DAD IN WEST VIRGINIA

DEAR LOUD DAD: Yes, I do. And I'm glad you asked me because it's important that you find other ways of relieving your anger than yelling at your children. It is extremely harmful. When a bigger person yells at a smaller person, the smaller person is simply afraid that physical violence might follow. You need to find another way to express your emotions. My booklet "The Anger in All of Us and How to Deal With It" can help you. It can be ordered by sending your name and mailing address, plus $7 to Dear Abby -- Anger Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. My booklet offers many other suggestions for dealing with anger and frustration, and I hope it will be helpful to you.

Writing to an Advice Column & Writing an Advice Column • Write a letter to Dear Abby explaining a problem you would like advice for. • It does not have to be a real problem you have. • You can imagine a problem and write about that. • Add lots of details about your problem. • Make sure to sign your letter as I explained in the PPT presentation. • I will check and correct any mistakes and email another student’s problem to you. • You must pretend to be Abby and give advice. • You will not know whose letter you are answering. • Please copy and paste the letter I email you and write your advice below it. • Email it to me by Monday, October 20.