Feisty Female Friday
This week’s FFF is Dear Abby columnist Pauline Phillips.
The original "Dear Abby" was Pauline Esther Friedman Phillips also known by the pen name Abigail Van Buren. She was born in Iowa and started the "Dear Abby" column for the SF Chronicle. She chose her pen name "Abigail Van Buren" based on the biblical figure who King David admired for her wisdom and from the last name of former US president Martin Van Buren.
Her column was known for its witty, sensible advice, reaching hundreds of millions of readers over the years. Abby often championed the rights of groups that she felt were mistreated, publishing her sometimes controversial columns despite newspaper resistance and was also the author of six books and advice pamphlets. She was the identical twin sister of Esther Pauline Friedman Lederer, who wrote the "Ann Landers" advice column. Their columns were rivals, leading to an estrangement of the sisters for many years.
“Dear Abby” has a readership of millions and was once described by the NY Times as an integral part of many American households. Abby also apologized when her advice was out of step with changing times and updated her advice as needed with an apology included. She offered advice on many topics relevant to our present time including tips for self-improvement, personal growth, polishing your social skills, and learning from challenging situations, offering everyone guidance for always living in the world with gratitude and resilience.
Abby died at the age 94 and is fondly remembered by her fans, including a CA friend who was babysat by her and her sister, Anne Landers, as a child. The “Dear Abby” column is carried on today by her daughter, Jeanne Phillips, who continues offering sound, compassionate advice, just like her mother, delivered with the straightforward practical style of a good friend with mix of humor and sometimes a touch of sarcasm.
Her column remains an important guide for living the best life that you can in our every challenging times. Check it out and I am sure that you will agree.