DEAR ABBY: I'm happily married to the man of my dreams. We met after I had gone through a particularly difficult breakup, and I often credit him with "saving" me. We've been together 15 years and have two beautiful children.

While we both have professional careers, I also write romance novels as a hobby and side business. With every book authors write, a tiny part of their lives sneaks into their characters, storyline, etc. When my husband reads my novels -- as he does often -- he becomes sullen, withdrawn and angry. He can't seem to understand that 99 percent of what I've written is fiction. He's convinced that everything I write is somehow linked to an old boyfriend or actual events.

This is causing hurt feelings and resentment from both of us. Should I give up writing, or should he learn to deal with it? -- HAPPILY EVER AFTER

DEAR HAPPILY EVER AFTER: It's a fact that talented writers have active fantasy lives. Authors who come to mind would be Mary Shelley, who created "Frankenstein," Anne Rice and her vampires, E.L. James, who shared her S and M fantasies with the world -- and countless male authors including John le Carre, Daniel Defoe and William Shakespeare. (Obviously, Ian Fleming did not do everything that his character, James Bond, did.)

Ideally, your husband -- the man of your dreams -- should be able to tell you if something bothers him without sulking. And if he trusts you, he should be able to accept that what you are writing is fiction. If that's not the case, rather than your giving up writing, your husband should quit reading your books.

DEAR ABBY: My son chose his cousin, "Tim," as best man for his wedding. Tim gave a speech about how my son was like a little brother to him and mentioned some of the pranks he would play on my son. It was extremely funny, but the reality is that the pranks were quite cruel.

My nephew got very drunk at the wedding, and while my son was dancing with his new bride, a final prank was pulled. Tim approached my son from behind and gave him a huge "wedgie," which tore my son's expensive wedding pants apart. My son was very angry. His new bride appeared shocked, and it was a terrible ending to an otherwise beautiful wedding.

My sister promised me that Tim would "make it right." It's now four weeks later, and I have learned that my son immediately apologized to his cousin for his reaction (which was understandable). Tim did not apologize and has not accepted any accountability. I thought perhaps his wedding gift would cover the cost of the pants, but my son says it was less than the cost of the thank-you gift my son and his wife gave my nephew.

My sister and her son are frugal, and she now says that her son needs to save his money. Any suggestions other than Judge Judy? -- WEDDING WEDGIE

DEAR W.W.: Only this: In the interest of family harmony, step back and stay out of it. Your nephew appears to have poor judgment, but how your son and his bride choose to handle what happened is their problem, not yours.

DEAR ABBY: I live with my parents and am not fond of children. My father volunteers me to baby-sit my nieces while they are right in front of us and before I have a chance to discuss anything. If I stand up for myself and say no, my father lays a guilt trip on me and tells the kids that their aunt is "being mean."

I'm grateful that my parents took me in after I graduated from university, which has allowed me to work on a second degree. However, when I am volunteered to do something I don't enjoy -- like entertain the kids -- my father somehow always manages to leave the house. He often lectures me about things I should do or things others should do, but he never does any of them himself. His excuse is that he works to support us financially.

Am I being ungrateful and should I grin and bear it? Or should I do an intervention with Dad when the kids aren't over? -- OVERTIRED AUNT

DEAR OVERTIRED: Assuming that you have told your father your feelings, he may feel that because he supports you, he has the right to volunteer your services. What might work would be to tell your sibling how you feel about being trapped into doing it -- and about kids in general. I know I wouldn't want any children of mine to be around someone who resents having to care for them. Perhaps your sibling will feel the same.

DEAR ABBY: I have had cancer for 12 years. This will be my last year. The chemo treatment was getting stronger and making me sick longer. I told most of my siblings that I decided on no more chemo. The doctor warned my daughter eight months ago that there will be no stopping the progression of my disease.

My daughter has a lot on her plate right now, finding and buying a house, getting a new job and planning her wedding for next year. I have tried to help her plan for my death, but it only upsets her.

I feel great and better each day since I have been off the chemo. I have a positive attitude about the short future that's ahead of me. So how do I tell my daughter this is my last year? -- LIVING AND LOVING LIFE IN NEW ENGLAND

DEAR LIVING AND LOVING: I'm sorry about your prognosis. Few people welcome the idea of their parents' passing, but it is a subject that needs to be discussed.

A way to get the message across to your daughter would be to call a family meeting so that she will have emotional support when she hears about your decision. Announce that you are feeling better than you have in a long time because you are no longer having chemo, and make clear what your wishes are in the event of your death.

Right now your daughter is understandably focused on herself. Do not expect that she will take the news well, and be sure to have your plans in writing so there will be no confusion among family members later.

DEAR ABBY: I have officially found my biggest pet peeve. It's a pervasive issue with my generation of committing to something and not showing up.

They'll flake at the last minute, or refuse to commit to something because there's a possibility something better will come along. And constantly showing up late has become normal with young adults. Furthermore, despite the many technological advances that allow us to communicate quickly, their failure to communicate about plans astounds and infuriates me.

I've encountered this problem too often with friends, co-workers, bosses and professors at university. I have tried to let it roll off my back and remind people about how their rudeness affects others, but I'm not sure what else I can do.

Obviously, I can't control other people. How can I express my frustration without being a monster? -- HAD IT UP TO HERE

DEAR HAD IT: I assume that you have already expressed your frustration to at least some of the people you have described. If this happens regularly, it's a sign that they don't care how their behavior affects others.

You can spare yourself much stress if you start "deleting" irresponsible, self-centered individuals from your circle to the extent that it's possible. Of course, you can't do that with those who have control over your life such as professors or employers right now, so you will have to tolerate some of this behavior for the present.

DEAR ABBY: My father, a widower, is in his late 80s. He's in great shape, still drives, goes on vacations and volunteers twice a week. He is brilliant, and enjoys cars, gambling and eating.

I promised I'd call him on a weekly basis, but I don't know what to talk to my father about. He's a man of few words, so our conversations are somewhat limited after I ask about his interests. I'd be very appreciative if you or your readers can suggest some topics I haven't thought of. -- STUMPED DAUGHTER

DEAR STUMPED DAUGHTER: How about talking to your father about some of your own interests -- what you have been doing, movies or plays you have seen, restaurants you have tried that he might enjoy, what's going on with other relatives, and current events. If necessary, make a short list of topics from your local newspaper and keep it with you when you call him. And remember, conversations don't have to be long ones -- just interesting.

DEAR READERS: Allow me to wish a Happy Father's Day to fathers everywhere -- birth fathers, stepfathers, adoptive and foster fathers, grandfathers, and all of those caring men who mentor children and fill the role of absent dads. I applaud you all! -- LOVE, ABBY

P.S. And per many readers' requests, I'm giving a shout-out to dual-role moms, too.