# Advice Column: Navigating Marital Intimacy, Safety, and Property Ownership Dear Abby addresses reader concerns regarding long-term marriage, child safety, and real estate. - **Source:** [Toronto Sun](https://torontosun.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/19a03989-5410-4257-ac5c-d48eb83bc42c ## Marital Intimacy Challenges A 59-year-old man reports remaining a virgin after twenty years of marriage. His wife, who uses an IUD for medical reasons, has shown no sexual interest throughout their union. The husband expresses frustration and considers divorce, noting they lack financial resources for professional therapy to address these deep-seated relationship communication gaps. ## Communication and Expectations Abby suggests the husband clarify if he has actively initiated intimacy, as the letter remains vague on his efforts. She emphasizes that sexual initiation is not the sole responsibility of one partner. The advice highlights the necessity of direct, honest conversations about long-term compatibility and unmet needs within the marriage. ## Evaluating Relationship Future The columnist advises the husband to ask his wife directly if she intends to pursue intimacy. If she confirms a lack of interest, Abby validates the husband's right to end the relationship. Loving a partner does not mandate staying if fundamental needs remain unaddressed and the situation causes significant personal distress. ## Child Safety Concerns A grandparent expresses fear regarding a son-in-law carrying a loaded firearm in a stroller while walking in Phoenix. The parent fears that questioning this behavior will result in losing access to their grandchild. This highlights the tension between parental autonomy and the grandparent's desire to ensure the child's physical safety. ## Legal Gun Regulations Abby notes that while carrying a firearm may be legal in Arizona, laws vary significantly across different jurisdictions. She recommends verifying local regulations and ensuring the individual has proper licensing and safety training. The response acknowledges the grandparent's limited influence while emphasizing the importance of legal compliance in public spaces. ## Property Ownership Disputes An Illinois resident asks if they owe their sister a share of profits from a home she gifted them years ago. The resident invested significant money and labor into repairs after moving in to help with expenses. The sister transferred the title as a Christmas gift, establishing clear legal ownership for the resident. ## Financial Rights Clarification Abby confirms that the resident does not owe the sister any portion of the potential sale proceeds. Since the property was legally gifted, the owner holds full rights to the profits. Any financial gesture toward the sister would be a voluntary act of gratitude rather than a legal or moral obligation. ## Context of Advice Columns These inquiries reflect common human struggles involving boundaries, communication, and legal rights. Advice columns serve as a public forum for navigating complex interpersonal dynamics without professional intervention. By addressing these diverse topics, the column provides a framework for readers to evaluate their own personal situations through the lens of objective perspective. ## Sources covering this story - https://torontosun.com/life/relationships/dear-abby-twenty-years-married-and-still-a-virgin — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._