ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I just received an invitation to a wedding from an old friend. This friend and I used to be close, but frankly, we started hanging out a lot less because I couldn't afford her lifestyle. She always had a taste for more expensive things in life, and that just wasn't my priority at the time. She used to poke fun at me, calling me ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When I read some of the questions sent to you, it is jarring when the writer includes financial information about someone else. They write things such as "... and they can well afford it" or mention that so-and-so "could very well pay their own way."

Are such statements relevant when asking about manners? For example, if a ...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm having a problem that feels small, but it's starting to make me dread seeing someone I care about.

One of my closest friends has gotten into the habit of "correcting" me in public. If I tell a story, she interrupts to adjust a detail. If I mention a restaurant, she jumps in with the exact neighborhood and the chef's name. If I...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm a Christian. I've raised my family to be Christians, and they have raised theirs to be Christians, even though we may not all be members of the same denomination.

One of my grandsons believes that his denomination is the only one and the rest of us are all sinners. He and his wife have decided that no one outside of his church ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: About two months ago, I started dating a guy who makes significantly more money than me. Whenever we go out on dates, he always pays. I never offer because of the large pay gap, and I'm more traditional and believe the man should pay for dates. Up until now, he's never said anything about it, so I assumed he was comfortable with ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When writing letters to friends -- and I am of the generation that treats emails like letters -- I am often unsure whether to end the letter with "Love" or "Best."

When my mother was teaching me how to write letters, she said it should always end with "Love, Name" unless it was a business letter, in which case it should end ...Read more

Dear Annie: I never imagined I'd be packing school lunches again at 62.

My husband, "Tom," and I raised our children, worked hard and finally reached that stage where life felt calmer. We downsized, paid off most of what we owed and talked about traveling, volunteering and enjoying a quieter home. Then everything changed.

Last year, our ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: A former boyfriend, "Ray," is an alcoholic. He has been through rehab twice, but it didn't do any good. He won't stop. He keeps saying we'll work it out.

I don't understand why Ray can't get it through his head that I no longer want to be with him. I gave him two chances. Nobody else wants to help him either, including his family.

...Read more

Different silences have built modern America, and we don't like to talk about them. They don't make it into the speeches or even some of the history books. They are the parts that get cut, softened, or turned into something easier to admire.

When we talk about labor rights, we thought we knew the story. Then we learned what Dolores Huerta ...Read more

Dear Annie: I need your advice before I lose my mind.

My husband and I moved into what we thought was our dream home last spring. The street is lovely, the neighbors are friendly, and the yard is just big enough for my tomato plants and a little peace and quiet. The problem is the man next door is a drummer. Not a "taps lightly on a practice ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for decades. My husband, who has always been very overweight, has made many promises to remedy it with no follow-through. He continues to overeat and avoid physical activity, while constantly complaining about aches, pains and fatigue. Frequently, when we go out, he wolfs down his food, and I am left...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband retired last year, and ever since, he has done virtually nothing. He watches YouTube all day long, eats snacks, sits, smokes weed, drinks and complains. He was already becoming somewhat of a curmudgeon in recent years, but now he has gone off the deep end. It's making me crazy. When I say anything to him, it sparks an ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am happily employed by a very low-key, faith-based organization. Community and collaboration are part of our work culture, so leadership encourages our teams to share holy day meals together several times a year. We always pray a simple blessing before we eat.

One of our co-workers is careful, and vocal, about how her food ...Read more

Dear Annie: I live with my almost-30-year-old daughter. She acquired our place through a lawsuit settlement.

She talks to and treats me like I'm a child and tries to control my life. She often reminds me: "This is my place. I run things." I could go on and on, but the bottom line is that she constantly makes me feel uneasy in what's supposed ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My daughter "Kate" is 22 and just recently graduated from college. She has been dating her boyfriend for five years. I love this young man like he was my own.

The problem is, I just found out Kate has been seeing someone on the side. He is her boss, and he's 54 years old! I'm sworn to secrecy because her older sister told me about ...Read more