Woman Weighs Italy Trip Against Niece's Wedding After $500,000 Crypto Loss

A 78-year-old woman says she and her 79-year-old husband lost $500,000 to a fraudulent bitcoin site over the past year, leaving them with $500,000 in remaining savings. She says the loss has left her angry about the depletion of what she described as hard-earned money.

The Nevada resident says she has scoliosis and chronic pain but does not want those conditions, or the financial loss, to prevent her from taking a long-planned trip to Italy to see its art and sculptures.

During the summer, a niece of her husband married in New York. The woman declined the invitation and sent $300 as a gift, writing that she is unsure whether the amount was sufficient. She is now conflicted about the decision while preparing for the Italy trip and says she needs help letting go of anger and guilt so she can enjoy the journey.

Dear Abby, written by Abigail Van Buren, responded that the reader does not appear close to the niece and that a timely decline along with a gift is more than many invitees manage. The column added that the reader does not owe her husband or his family more than she has already given and encouraged her to continue planning the vacation.

In separate entries, the column addressed a man in Iowa who asked whether his retired fiancee should stop attending monthly breakfasts with retired men, noting that she has said they flirt with her. Dear Abby replied that the gatherings are not a threat to the relationship and that the fiancee should stop only if she feels uncomfortable.

Another reader asked how to tell a 50-year-old book club member not to drape her legs and feet over furniture during gatherings. Dear Abby advised taking the woman aside privately and stating a preference that guests keep their feet on the floor. The column was founded in 1956 by Pauline Phillips; Jeanne Phillips wrote it for nearly four decades.