Who remembers the old newspaper advice columns like Dear Abby and Ann Landers? For decades, these two voices were as familiar in American households as the morning coffee and the crinkle of a freshly delivered newspaper. Long before the internet or social media, people with questions, troubles, or moral dilemmas turned to these women for guidance. Their words were clipped out, saved, passed around, and sometimes even taped to refrigerators.
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Dear Abby, written by Abigail Van Buren (the pen name of Pauline Phillips, and later her daughter Jeanne Phillips), was known for her wit, common sense, and compassionate advice. Whether it was about family conflicts, marriage struggles, social etiquette, or the occasional oddball question (like the famous one about wanting to keep a pet monkey), Abby’s answers struck a balance between warmth and practicality. Her style was conversational but firm—like a wise aunt who loved you enough to be honest.
Ann Landers, the pen name of Esther Pauline “Eppie” Lederer, brought a slightly different flavor. Her column ran for nearly half a century and became one of the most widely read features in American newspapers. Ann was straightforward, no-nonsense, and often humorous. Readers trusted her because she didn’t sugarcoat—if you needed a reality check, she gave it, but always with an underlying care for people’s well-being. She covered everything from love and friendship to etiquette, illness, and social issues that were often ahead of their time.
Part of the charm was that these columns weren’t just about advice—they created a sense of community. Readers didn’t just learn from Abby or Ann; they learned from each other, because letters would sometimes spark nationwide conversation. People realized that their private worries—whether about in-laws, children, or relationships—were often shared by thousands of strangers. In that way, these columns became a mirror of society.
Today, we have forums, podcasts, and countless advice blogs. Yet there’s something nostalgic about those crisp black-and-white clippings, with Abby’s or Ann’s portrait smiling out beside a column of text. They were trusted voices in uncertain times, and many still miss the blend of humor, common sense, and heartfelt wisdom they offered. For those who grew up with them, the memory of unfolding a newspaper and seeing what Abby or Ann had to say that day still brings a smile. They were more than columnists—they were companions.
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