A man wrote in, asking Dear Abby for her opinion. Should he go on a family cruise without his girlfriend, who can’t come along?

“You and Caitlyn are adults in your 40s… you should be mature enough to discuss this with her without involving me.”

Oh, snap! Somebody’s got a bee in her bonnet.

Another letter writer, a plus-sized woman, asked Abby’s opinion about wearing a bikini at her mother’s house.

“While you say you are comfortable in your own skin, it would be interesting to know what your physician thinks of your obesity. I suspect that your mother would be prouder of you if you were less complacent and more willing to do something about your weight problem.”

Hey now! Little tact wouldn’t hurt here, Miss Bossypants.

The thing I’ve always admired about Dear Abby is her compassion and common sense. But lately, it almost seems to me that someone else has taken over for the real Dear Abby.  Perhaps her cousin, Dear Crabby.

This version of Abby is judgmental and carping. She’s been terse and snappish lately, and I’ve never noticed that in her columns before.

But then, I suppose as human beings, we go through phases.  Different versions of ourselves.  Sometimes we present our best self to the world.  At other times, not so much.

I’m so glad God isn’t like us in this regard. He never changes with the times or waffles in the wind.  If I’m going to seek counsel anywhere, it’s going to be deep in the heart of scripture. It’s on my knees in prayer.

In the meantime, when dealing with nosy people giving you bad advice in a mean-spirited way, all you need to do is remember that you are completely – and eternally – loved.

And as for Dear Abby? Well, maybe it’s time for her to retire to Boca.