ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: Recently, I presented a classmate of mine with an opportunity to step into her career. We were talking about career goals, and she mentioned she wanted to gain more experience. I knew of a low-stakes event that would allow building connections with industry professionals, so I shared as many details as I could and let her know I ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: At a restaurant, is there a way to ask to be served by a waiter or waitress other than the one assigned to our table?

My wife and I have patronized a local establishment for several years, but have sometimes been served by a waitress who, on her best days, is unfriendly, indifferent, unwelcoming and forgetful about our orders...Read more

Dear Annie: My husband and I have been married for eight years, and every vacation we take somehow turns into a group trip. He used to only invite his brother or his parents, but now the expectation is basically that we travel as one big extended family.

The problem is, I don't enjoy these trips. His family is kind but overbearing. I feel ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: A few years ago, my husband and I bought a home together with his sister. We share the bills and chores and, for the most part, it works. We live in a nicer home than we could afford on our own.

Frequently, though, my husband and his sister have discussions and make decisions regarding the house without including me. I have ...Read more

As promised, here is more food for thought. Read the following sentences closely, and mark whether you agree or disagree with each.

--Going places alone is the last resort. It makes me look and feel like a reject.

--Marriage and children are the ultimate fulfillment for every woman.

--Being married is better than being single.

--Women who ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been dating my boyfriend for six years now, and I have developed a close relationship with his family. We got along immediately, and they welcomed me in. His mom and I speak regularly for long periods, and my boyfriend feels like it's excessive. He doesn't have the best relationship with his mom, and he feels like she isn'...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When I am with someone in person, I think it is rude to answer the phone (the message being that the caller is more important than our conversation). A friend claims that she only intends to pick up and say she will call them back.

But sometimes there is an exchange, and I am sitting there waiting till she finishes. I always ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have had a close friend for 44 years. We have been through marriages, children, illnesses, holidays, losses and all the ordinary ups and downs that come with a friendship that lasts nearly half a century. That is why something very small has hurt me more than I expected.

Recently, I was very ill for three weeks with vomiting, ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have recently found out that our 14-year-old granddaughter, a freshman in high school, is being encouraged to drink, or more accurately, "chug," beer out of cans with her stepdad at parties and social gatherings he has been having at their house.

Our son, the girl's biological father, is very concerned about this ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My 16-year-old daughter wants to participate in a summer study abroad program, and while I want to support her, I can't shake my concerns. She's never lived away from home before, and the idea of her being in another country without me nearby feels like a big leap for both of us. I do see the value in this experience. It could ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I hosted a small birthday party for my husband at a restaurant. Our guests were a couple and a single man. The couple asked if we wanted to order a number of small plates, meant for sharing. The rest of us preferred to order our own entrees.

The couple then proceeded to order quite a few of the small plates, asking us if we ...Read more

Dear Annie: My sister moved in with our parents in the family home. After my mother sadly passed away, my father and sister continued living there together. Over time, my sister seemed to take over the running of the household. She even had the telephone disconnected, and there were other decisions made that left me feeling increasingly shut ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm engaged to a wonderful man. We are incredibly happy, and I cannot wait for our life together to begin. There's just one problem -- his best friend, "Joey." Joey is wonderful to my fiance and a nice person overall, but he's a serial cheater.

In the five years I've known him, Joey has dated and cheated on multiple women, some of ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a New York City mom, raising two boys in an active part of the city. My oldest is turning 13 years old and wants to start taking the train in high school. I didn't start taking public transportation until I was 16 years old, so I think he is still too young. Aside from obvious safety concerns, the NYC transportation system ...Read more