Dear Abby: My daughter cut off our family how do I explain our relationship?

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 WASHINGTONDEAR 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: My boyfriend and I have had a tumultuous relationship.Right now, it’s good, but the issue I’m having is that his bed is super uncomfortable and so is his couch.He spent a lot of money for both of them, but I am unable to sleep or get comfortable on his couch.How do I tell him he needs to replace them or else I don’t want to spend the night with him or watch movies on the couch at his house? — UNCOMFORTABLE IN TEXASDEAR UNCOMFORTABLE: Start by telling your boyfriend that you can’t get a good night’s sleep in his bed because the mattress is uncomfortable for you.Do the same thing after watching TV on his couch.

If your back needs more support, he shouldn’t regard it a personal insult.Then invite him to your place so he won’t feel rejected.DEAR ABBY: As I approach my 100th birthday, I wish you would educate people that a gift certificate for a meal from a restaurant or a donation to feed the hungr...