September 5, 2026 Issue, Page 5 of 12

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ACTIVITIES The Elk City News SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 • 5 Son Feels Shunned by Father Over Physical Appearance DEAR ABBY: I am a 62-year-old essentially the same thing. She called Be aware that the caller herself may TA man. I was born with a cleft lip and DEAR ABBY again, and I repeated my answer and not perpetrate the scam. She may be DEAR BETTER THAN THAT: The cleft palate. Growing up, I had sever- wished her luck. merely a scout who identifies possible problem is they are taking photos in al surgeries and much dental work to yourself lucky to have so little con- I’m writing because I am concerned victims for the real scammers. In the high definition. However, this prob- improve my appearance. I had won- tact with dear old Dad. Handle fam- for her. She appears obsessive or per- future, block all calls from unknown lem is easily solved. You can ask the derful friends who never teased me ily functions by limiting your direct haps very forgetful. She seems able numbers. Also be wary of mail from photographer to touch up the photos about it. interaction with him. Be cordial, but to use the internet and make phone unexpected sources. Do not respond electronically to make everyone ap- Now, looking back at my childhood, maintain a comfortable distance. Fo- calls, she is calm and polite, her letters to any offer that seems too good to pear flawless, or you can wear sun- I realize that my father hated me be- cus on the rest of the family and enjoy are brief and lucid, and she has neat be true or to anyone demanding pay- glasses while viewing them. cause of the way I looked when I was their company. Many families have handwriting. Like I said, though, her ments that don’t make sense to you. born. He has never asked me to spend members who don’t get along, but it persistence seems odd. I’m just a little Dear Abby is written by Abigail time with him and was always angry doesn’t have to cause drama. concerned. What would you do in this DEAR ABBY: I am approaching Van Buren. For nearly four decades, with me. Even now, when he sees me, situation? -- STEWING STRANGER 80 and am healthy and fairly active. Jeanne Phillips penned this column, I can feel the hatred he has toward me. DEAR ABBY: Several weeks ago, I DEAR STRANGER: This interac- When I look in the mirror, I see a which was founded in 1956 by her I really hate being around him, but I got a phone call from a stranger. She tion has all the signs of a scam. You pleasant-looking old woman, but mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact sometimes have to see him at family asked if I was the “Steve Hall” who have already allowed this person to when photos are taken at holidays, I Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com gatherings. How should I handle this? had been in the Marines, and whom identify you as someone who answers look even older than I am -- and scary or P.O. Box 270135, Kansas City, MO -- ANGRY AND CONFUSED she remembered from high school. calls from unknown numbers. If you -- like the granny in the old Addams 64127. (EDITORS: If you have edi- DEAR ANGRY AND CONFUSED: I told her I was not, and that I grew mentioned the letter to her, you have Family comics. What do you suppose torial questions, please contact Clint Start by remembering to cherish up in a different part of the country. verified the physical address that goes is wrong with these modern cameras? Hooker, clint.hooker@andrewsmc- your wonderful friends and consider Then I got a letter from her, asking with your phone number. -- BETTER THAN THAT IN ATLAN- meel.com.) CROSSWORD Get Fuzzy CURRENT PUZZLE ANSWERS Drabble Dailies Pearls Before Swine Garfield