Dear Abby, I am shocked that family and friends have ruined my daughter’s name.

Dear Abby:

What do you think about the situation of close family members and close friends spelling my daughter’s name wrong? She is now 22 years old. We recently celebrated her college graduation and I was shocked to see her name ruined on the cards. This has been done to her for many years.

Abby, her name sounds like a more common name and I have been intentional about writing her name on invitations, messages, etc. It frustrates me and she is already having a hard time teaching others how to say her name, let alone spelling it correctly. I feel a lack of care and respect and they don’t take the time to make sure of this. Am I right? — ERROR IN NEW JERSEY

DEAR ERROR:

How do these friends and relatives feel about your daughter? If they treat her well, forgive her for misrepresenting the name you gave her. She’s an adult now, so let her fight her own battles from now on, rather than push her away from the people who care about her.

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Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jean Phillips, and was founded by her mother Pauline Phillips. Contact dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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