A woman in her retirement years confesses a peculiar preference: she shuns showers, opting instead for quick wipe-downs and dry shaving to maintain her personal hygiene. Despite being healthy, this quirk is causing her distress due to its unpleasantness and anxiety associated with getting out of the shower.
Dear Abby suggests that rather than resorting to portable heaters or other workarounds, a licensed psychotherapist can help address the underlying issues behind her avoidance behavior. The therapist could explore if depression or social anxieties are contributing to this behavior, which may be more prevalent in seniors due to declining sensory capabilities.
The author notes that, unlike some people, not everyone struggles with depression. However, acknowledging and addressing these feelings can lead to lasting change and improved mental health. Her advice implies that financial constraints should not prevent individuals from seeking help, as various options for affordable therapy exist.
Moving on to a new question, a 40-something woman seeking companionship writes in about her experience dating older adults on the internet. She recently came across a profile of an attractive man with whom she has been chatting and plans to meet for dinner soon. His mention of "physical baggage" has left her perplexed.
Abby's response advises caution, suggesting that this term could refer to any physical condition or disability, such as limited mobility or erectile dysfunction. Without more information from the individual, it is impossible to say for sure what his "baggage" entails. However, being honest and open about one's own needs and limitations can help build trust in a relationship.
In conclusion, both topics presented in Dear Abby's responses highlight the importance of addressing personal anxieties and engaging openly with potential partners.
Dear Abby suggests that rather than resorting to portable heaters or other workarounds, a licensed psychotherapist can help address the underlying issues behind her avoidance behavior. The therapist could explore if depression or social anxieties are contributing to this behavior, which may be more prevalent in seniors due to declining sensory capabilities.
The author notes that, unlike some people, not everyone struggles with depression. However, acknowledging and addressing these feelings can lead to lasting change and improved mental health. Her advice implies that financial constraints should not prevent individuals from seeking help, as various options for affordable therapy exist.
Moving on to a new question, a 40-something woman seeking companionship writes in about her experience dating older adults on the internet. She recently came across a profile of an attractive man with whom she has been chatting and plans to meet for dinner soon. His mention of "physical baggage" has left her perplexed.
Abby's response advises caution, suggesting that this term could refer to any physical condition or disability, such as limited mobility or erectile dysfunction. Without more information from the individual, it is impossible to say for sure what his "baggage" entails. However, being honest and open about one's own needs and limitations can help build trust in a relationship.
In conclusion, both topics presented in Dear Abby's responses highlight the importance of addressing personal anxieties and engaging openly with potential partners.
shower snobs are real deal 
i mean who needs to waste all that water just to feel clean? its all about comfort level, and dry shaving can be super refreshing especially if you're not a fan of the whole soap and shampoo combo. but if it's causing anxiety and unpleasantness then yeah get some help 
and maybe explore alternative hygiene methods like baby wipes or exfoliating gloves 
i totally get why she's confused - "physical baggage" can be super vague, especially online. just be upfront about your needs and limitations, and don't assume everyone is okay with certain things 
communication is key in any relationship, especially when it comes to potentially sensitive topics.
mental health matters, and we need more resources available to help people like this woman find support 
... like, what's not to love about getting all clean and fresh? But seriously, it's not funny when anxiety gets in the way. It's so brave of her to acknowledge that something's bothering her, even if it seems weird to us.
... it's all about understanding and accepting ourselves, flaws and all. I mean, we should never let our anxiety hold us back from living life or connecting with others 
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... being open about your needs and limitations is key to building trust and healthy relationships. It's like, if you don't disclose something that might be a deal-breaker for someone else, it's gonna lead to drama down the line 
.
... because we're all unique and beautiful in our own ways! 
. I mean, who wants to deal with anxiety every time they shower? 
. And yeah, financial constraints shouldn't be an issue when it comes to mental health 
. What's weird is that the "physical baggage" dude on the dating site, I get why she's confused about that one 
. It's always good to ask more questions and be open about your needs before meeting up 
... when someone mentions "physical baggage" without explaining it, you just gotta wonder what's going on in their head. Communication is key, right? Should be straight forward about your needs and stuff 
and yeah having a therapist can be super helpful in figuring out what's going on beneath the surface. And I love that Abby mentioned affordable therapy options - mental health is SO important! 
I'm literally shocked by this old lady's aversion to showers 
. The idea of her being anxious about getting out of the shower is pretty relatable I guess... we've all been there 
. But honestly, seeking help from a therapist or just talking to someone about it might be the way to go 
It's just so weird how some guys put up profiles like that and then have the nerve to expect you to be all open and honest about it 
. And yeah, therapy doesn't have to break the bank – there are tons of affordable options out there 
. I get what Abby is saying – we don't know what's going on with this guy's body until he opens up 