Dear Teen-Ager (Teenager)

Every teenager has problems that pop up when they’re maturing into social animals and trying hard to fit in with family and friends. Dear Teen-Ager, a Vintage Nostalgic Classic, takes a look back at the problems that faced teenagers in the 50’s…and you will see, that most are still relevant today.

Until 1956, San Francisco housewife Pauline Esther Phillips was an energetic volunteer for better mental health and the fight against polio. Armed with determination, a desire to help people with their problems, and a flair for writing, she approached the San Francisco Chronicle’s editor for a position writing an advice column. He took a chance on her—and won.

Using the pen name Abigail Van Buren, she began the well-known "Dear Abby" newspaper column. Her wise, witty, honest and commonsense approach to problems facing readers revolutionized the “lovelorn” field influencing American life and culture as she responded to her readers’ diverse queries.

Here are some of the topics she covers in this 1959 original classic edition of Dear Teen-Ager:

• When should I start dating?
• How should I ask for a date?
• Should I let him kiss me on the first date?
• Should I date out of my faith?
• My parents are nosey
• My parents don’t trust me
• I don’t have any friends
• I’m too short, too tall, too fat, too thin
• I’m afraid I won’t get into college
• My brothers and sisters are a pain
• Everybody picks on me
• What is the teen-age bill of rights?

Enjoy the look back, and think about whether you would give the same advice today!