DEAR ABBY: I'm a 16-year-old girl who is struggling to have a social life. Since I was a little girl, I have had a problem connecting with kids my own age. I have done better with kids older or younger than me. A lot of times I relate better with teachers than with students. The few friends I had before COVID-19 have vanished into thin air.

When school started, I was part of a new group of "friends," but it didn't last long. The groups in my school are very tight. It's almost impossible to break into an already-existing friend group. While I don't mind being alone, I know I'm missing out. It doesn't help that I don't know how to approach other teens and that I suffer from anxiety that makes me doubt myself when I try.

I also can't express myself clearly because I'm not from this country. English is not my first language, and there are cultural things I can't understand. Do you have any advice so I can approach people easier and maybe make a friend or two? -- FRIENDLESS GIRL

DEAR GIRL: This may be something you can talk about with a trusted teacher or school counselor. Because the cliques at your school are difficult to break into, ask what kind of special interest clubs exist on your campus. Is drama offered, or is there a sport you might be interested in that would allow you to mix with others your age?

You don't have to be a star athlete or a great actress in order to enjoy activities such as these. The goal is to expose yourself to others who have a similar interest. And remember, high school may seem like it lasts forever, but it doesn't. Once you have graduated, you will have the chance to make many more social contacts on a level playing field.

DEAR ABBY: "Stacy" and I have been friends for more than 20 years. Ten years ago my husband, children and I moved back to our hometown. At that time, I was afforded the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom. Stacy has one child and never married, so she had to work. A few years ago, she was in a terrible auto accident. I took care of her afterward and drove her to her medical appointments for six months.

When Stacy was released to return to work, she didn't go, so she was fired -- and she has changed for the worse. She is verbally abusive at stores, doctor's offices, restaurant drive-thru windows -- you name it. She refused to let me drive, and her driving scared me.

She would call me 20 to 30 times a day, and if I told her I was busy, she would come over anyway. I started having a breakdown. I told her to stop and blocked her, but now she is back at it. I am being stalked. What do I do? -- FRIEND GONE WRONG

DEAR FRIEND: Your friend appears to have become mentally unbalanced. Does she have family? If she does, inform them about what's going on. You have already blocked her on your phone and social media. If she comes over, do not let her in. If necessary, your next step should be to file a police report. If you have reason to think she might become violent or damage your property, you may need to seek a restraining order.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for 18 years. It's a second marriage for both of us. He cheated on his ex with me. Soon after we were married, he told me that, given the chance, he would cheat on me, but that I shouldn't worry because no really pretty woman would ever want him.

Six years into our marriage, I needed to find something on his phone and saw he had signed up on a dating website for married people looking to cheat. We went to counseling. He said he wasn't planning on following through; he just wanted to see what was out there.

Not long afterward, I noticed he had checked a website for dating foreign women, but he needed a credit card, so he gave up. Off to counseling again. I told him that was strike two.

Last month, I went on vacation with my daughter. Last week, he accidentally deleted something on his phone and asked me to find it. What I also found were emails from women offering their services, all of them sent while I was away. ("Send money, I'll send more titillating photos.") He claims he didn't ask for them. There are eight or 10. My question: Is this strike three? -- FOOLISH LADY IN MARYLAND

DEAR LADY: It should be obvious to you by now that your husband isn't interested in being faithful. If you're looking for a reason to leave him, this is strike three. If not, it's strike 2 1/2. (Please get yourself tested for STDs.)

DEAR ABBY: My beautiful daughter has a great job, two lovely sons and a fiance who loves her. She seems to have it all. But since she's been with him, she has gained weight. I would estimate that she now weighs around 250 pounds. She has no energy, doesn't walk at all, and sits in front of the TV when she's not at work. She refuses to allow her picture to be taken; she always insists on being the one taking pictures.

I know she's bothered about her weight. I know I am bothered because I'm afraid she won't live 10 more years. Last weekend, we were at an outside self-service restaurant with a steep terrace. We wanted another drink. She asked me to get them because she would be too out of breath. I made two trips bringing things down to our table.

How can I say I think she needs to lose weight? Of course, she does, but will this ruin our relationship? I almost feel like she needs an intervention. We would be as worried if it were alcohol that was threatening her life. But it's food. Her fiance is also overweight. I think he's an enabler.

I'm stressed and depressed over this. They plan to be married next year, and I wonder how much they will weigh by then. Any advice? -- PROTECTIVE MOM IN MISSOURI

DEAR MOM: Your concern is valid. Your daughter's weight gain and sedentary lifestyle could lead to serious health problems if they aren't addressed. That said, the intervention should come from your daughter's doctor, if she has one, rather than from you.

DEAR ABBY: I have had a wonderful relationship with my only grandson for nine years. Since I retired, he visits every other weekend, which makes me so happy. He has autism and didn't speak for the first six years, but now he talks constantly. It's wonderful. I'm very close to my son as well.

I guess you know what's coming: My daughter-in-law cut my grandchild out of my life four months ago. She says he was molested in my care by my husband. I took my husband of 13 years, who has never been alone with my grandson, ever, to the police station. He passed all lie detector tests, and the police said they believe my husband.

My grandson didn't say a word; only my DIL spoke. I had CPS come out and they did a thorough investigation. They said that, in their opinion, she was making this up. She hasn't spoken to her family in 12 years. She cuts everyone off if they upset her.

My grandson needs me. What can I do? My son says if I move and live next door to them, I can see him every day. But, I don't believe that would last either. I'm sure she would just come up with something else. Any ideas? -- ACHING HEART IN TEXAS

DEAR ACHING HEART: If your son is suggesting that you move next door -- presumably without your husband -- it is a nonstarter. The person who could fix this is your son. Because the accusation your DIL made was groundless, your son should insist you have visitation with your grandson. However, if that doesn't happen, then remember Texas is a state in which grandparents do have some rights. Therefore, it may benefit you to discuss this matter with an attorney specializing in family law.

DEAR ABBY: I have been married to the same woman for 35 years. She has been an alcoholic for the last 20. She has done four stints in rehab facilities. She comes out healthy for a while, then starts drinking again. She hasn't yet realized that she can't drink one glass of wine and stop there. It seems to get worse each time. We work together, and I have had to take all her hours away because she's not reliable. I'm holding on to our job and taking care of my aging parents.

I went to my first Al-Anon meeting. It was OK, but only a few of the people in the room were male. Throwing a man out is a lot easier than throwing a woman out. I think about leaving her all the time, but there are risks to my house, our dog and even the general public if I leave her alone. Is there any solution for someone like me? -- AT WITS' END IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR AT WITS' END: Talk to a family law attorney and ask what your options are. You cannot save your wife from herself or her addiction. When she picks up that glass, she has already made a choice, and it is NOT your marriage or your partnership. She will not become responsible for herself unless she is forced to be. By staying with her, you are enabling her. I apologize if this seems harsh, but it is the truth.