DEAR ABBY: I am one of nine children who all still get along. One sibling belongs to a religious order. At least one (for sure) is not a Christian. One is a born-again Christian. One of us is gay and married. We are not all of the same political persuasion. Yet somehow, after all these years, we have managed to get along and still gather for family fun, whether it's a holiday or just a cookout. We don't all live in the same state, but more often than not, most of us are there.

There's no secret to us still loving as well as liking each other. We simply respect each other's opinions and realize that although we don't always agree, it's not worth cutting out of our lives someone we have known "forever." I can't imagine losing even one sibling over a silly disagreement. That's not to say we haven't had arguments, because we have certainly had our share, but we simply take the high road and agree to disagree. I love my siblings with all my heart. Just wanted to share an uplifting note with you. -- NO PROBLEMS HERE

DEAR NO PROBLEMS: Most of the mail I receive concerns relationships that fractured because of a lack of respect for someone's feelings. Thank you for your, frankly, refreshing letter. If more people emulated your family's example, this world would be a happier, less complicated place in which to live. I wish your attitude were contagious.

DEAR ABBY: I have been dating "Paul" for several years. He lives about an hour away, and we see each other a few weekends a month. I know he loves me. A few months ago, his dog suddenly died from cancer. It was traumatic because "Bruiser" was his best friend.

Paul has been different since Bruiser's death. He has zero interest in anything physical. To me, touch is important -- not just sex. There's shared intimacy in holding someone's hand or kissing. I feel like a plant that's wilting with no sun. I know Paul is struggling, but I don't know how to help him through. We talked about it once, but other than acknowledging he's struggling, he has done nothing further.

I don't want to force the issue, but time is precious. I know what it's like to struggle with depression, and I recognize the signs, but he won't get help. How can I support him through this and get over my selfishness? -- IN THE DARK IN NEW YORK

DEAR IN THE DARK: Tell Paul you know he is hurting because since Bruiser's death, his behavior has changed. Explain that he may be depressed -- and with good reason -- and that it might help him to contact his veterinarian and ask if there are grief support groups for pet owners who have lost their furry family member. His vet may be able to suggest one or more. However, if that doesn't appeal to Paul, he should consider talking to his doctor because he is exhibiting some classic signs of depression. After that, the ball's in his court.

DEAR ABBY: I am 26 and have been with my boyfriend, "Trey," for eight years. We have an 18-month-old son. When I was six months pregnant, I went through Trey's phone and saw he was cheating on me. I was humiliated and told my best friend because I couldn't keep it in any longer. It hurt me deeply.

I chose to forgive Trey because we were starting a family and I felt I owed it to my baby to at least try. But I constantly think about the things I saw on his phone, and I don't trust him. If I even think about him going out somewhere without me, I get terribly anxious.

I'm not going to lie. I wasn't a saint throughout our relationship, but when I got pregnant, I was all about Trey and our family. I love him, but I can't seem to be happy. We are polar opposites. I'm affectionate and love my family. He's dry and doesn't care for my family or his. I also feel we resent each other. Sometimes, I want to break up with him so I can find someone I can trust and have peace with, but then I feel guilty.

Our son is a daddy's boy. He loves Trey and is always asking for Daddy when his father is out or at work. It would break my heart for my son not to see him as often as he does with us living together. My parents were never together, and I always said if I had a child, I'd make sure that child had their mom and dad together. But I'm not happy with my relationship. Please give me some advice. -- FAILING IN NEW JERSEY

DEAR FAILING: Talk to Trey. Tell him how you feel and why. Has he continued to see other women? How does he feel about the status of your relationship? How important is it to him to be front and center in his son's life?

The two of you are not married, thank heavens, so separating would not be complicated or costly from a legal perspective. Of course, he would have to support his child financially, and so would you. You both deserve to be happy, and don't be surprised if you learn that Trey feels the same way about your relationship.

DEAR ABBY: I have a daughter and two granddaughters, 16 and 24. I live with my daughter, her boyfriend and my younger granddaughter. My daughter and my oldest granddaughter got into a heated argument over the phone about something the boyfriend posted on social media. They are no longer speaking and have blocked each other's phone calls.

I feel lost. We used to all three spend one Saturday a month together, go on vacations and have family dinners on holidays. How do I get over this? -- MISSING IT IN MARYLAND

DEAR MISSING IT: A way to get past this would be to extend your social life beyond your immediate family. If you do, you will have more distraction and less time to brood about something that you cannot control. You can still see your older granddaughter separately if you wish, just not under the same circumstances as before until this blows over.

DEAR ABBY: I am a man in my 50s. A few months ago, I had a routine doctor's appointment, with a new primary care physician. I intended the appointment to be a complete, regular physical. I don't (thankfully) have any major physical health issues that I know of. But I was always taught it is wise to have periodic physical exams, in case there is a less obvious medical issue, as well as get to know one's doctor.

I went for the physical exam. I was not asked to undress as I have been with all my previous doctors. The doctor seemed nice, but I found it strange that I wasn't examined physically. I find it hard to understand how a doctor could properly examine me without me undressing. The doctor should be used to seeing bodies, and I cannot understand why the doctor or staff were reluctant to ask me to undress.

I found this all very confusing. Perhaps there was some miscommunication? I don't know if this is unusual, temporary or a new normal that I haven't heard about. Next time, should I be more clear about wanting to be examined thoroughly, or should I change doctors? -- COVERED UP IN VIRGINIA

DEAR COVERED UP: Contact the doctor, explain that in the past you have always had a complete physical which involved you disrobing and ask why it didn't happen during your last visit. If the answer you receive is unsatisfactory, change doctors.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married nine years. We are active in our church. I am very involved with our women's ministry, but my husband has an issue with our leader, "Nedra." Nedra has bad-mouthed my husband to my face. I went to my pastor with the issue, and I am, basically, waiting on God to fix it.

Our WM team meets multiple times a week, which means I leave my husband home alone for dinner on those nights. (I always make sure he has dinner when I'm not home.) Our meetings can go on for an hour and a half to two hours, and my husband is always upset when I get home from them.

I don't know what to do. He's not upset that I'm going to the meetings; he's upset at how long they last. Nedra doesn't like him, and he doesn't like her, especially since he knows what she said about him. I feel stuck in the middle. What do I do? -- LADY OF FAITH IN TEXAS

DEAR LADY: If these meetings occur more than twice a week, your husband may have a point. Whether he and Nedra like each other is beside the point, unless what he resents is that you are with that "witch." He may feel it encroaches on time you should be spending together. It's time you and your husband have a calm discussion about the frequency and length of those meetings so an acceptable compromise can be reached. Start now.