Amy Dickinson
Seven days a week, letter after letter, Amy Dickinson applies an objective eye to reader problems large and small in "ASK AMY: Advice for the real world."
Dickinson succeeds the legendary Ann Landers (Eppie Lederer) as the Chicago Tribune's signature advice columnist. Chicago Tribune editor Gerould Kern said: “Amy understands the personal issues affecting millions of people in their everyday lives and offers grounded advice for healthy, lasting relationships. She’s also a terrific storyteller.” As an advice columnist, Amy uses her talents as a journalist and her personal experiences to answer each question with the care and attention she would devote to her closest friends. Her advice is rooted in honesty and trust, traits she applies to her writing and her life.
Before joining the Chicago Tribune, Dickinson (a distant relative of the poet Emily Dickinson) penned a column on family issues for TIME magazine and had been regularly featured on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered." A weekly column, carried on AOL's News Channels, frequently drew from her experience as a single parent and member of a large, extended family. In addition, she has appeared as a social commentator on CBS' "Sunday Morning."
Dickinson, who grew up on a small dairy farm in New York, currently lives in Chicago with her teenage daughter. A graduate of Georgetown University, Dickinson also has worked as a producer for NBC News and as a freelance writer for publications such as The Washington Post, Esquire and O magazine.
Amy Dickinson Samples
Sober college student pressured to drink
DEAR AMY: I am a college student who doesn't drink. She and my other friends never invite me out because they think I will be no fun. All of a sudden my roommate was inviting me to parties.
Only one drama queen per wedding allowed
DEAR AMY: My girlfriend of 10 years is getting married. I was invited to bring a "plus one" to the wedding. We had a heart-to-heart talk. Is this OK? DEAR CONFUSED: You've already stood up for yourself and have told this bride how you feel.
Charity should not begin at the office
DEAR AMY: My supervisor frequently asks staff for monetary contributions for his fundraisers and walkathons for various causes -- including his church. I know he means well, but supporting a church or charity really should be each person's choice.
Failed relationship hard to get over
DEAR AMY: Last winter, a girl and I were working our way toward an intimate relationship when she broke it off, badly. I got severely depressed. Now we aren't friends but are at least friendly to each other.
Can a man and woman just be best friends?
DEAR AMY: I'm dating a guy whose best friend is a woman. My boyfriend and I didn't start dating until two months ago because I was wary about the friendship between the two.
Mom won't approve HPV vaccination
DEAR AMY: I am an 18-year-old senior in high school. I think that she is burying her head in the sand. I would like to get the vaccine. How should I approach this subject with her? DEAR WORRIED: Welcome to adulthood.
How to cope with drug-resistant hypertension
You still have options when your blood pressure can't be controlled. One-third of all Americans have hypertension, and most don't have it under control.
Specks in your vision can signal serious eye conditions
These "floaters" are not just bothersome. Floaters, those tiny specks that drift across your field of vision, are usually harmless and often disappear or become less noticeable on their own.
Silent urinary infections, serious consequences
Why it's vital to know the causes and symptoms of urinary tract infections and how to treat and prevent them. Unrecognized and untreated urinary tract infections can quickly turn into more serious conditions.
Avoiding knee or hip surgery
Losing weight, strengthening muscles, and increasing flexibility may help you stave off joint replacement.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps depression
Research shows the approach is especially helpful for those who aren't aided by drugs. Depression is more than just a bit of the blues. Only a third of patients with depression respond fully to antidepressant medication.
Ask the doctor: When does fatigue indicate illness?
Q. I feel tired all the time. A. Boy, is that a tough question to answer in a short space. If not, could your fatigue be caused by an illness? Perhaps the illness that causes fatigue more often than any others is depression.
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