ArcaMax

Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Where is the line between inspiration and imitation?

I got married in 2024, and one of my close friends was a bridesmaid in my wedding. She got married this year.

During my engagement and afterward, she frequently complimented my wedding and especially my wedding photos. When she planned her own wedding, I gradually learned ...Read more

Dear Annie: For 38 years, my husband and I worked hard, raised three children, paid off our mortgage and dreamed about the day we could finally retire. I always imagined retirement would be our reward for decades of responsibility. We would travel, explore new places, take spontaneous road trips and finally have time for each other.

Well, ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm a 44-year-old man, and as I reflect on my life, there's no way to describe it except as a failure. As a teenager, I didn't apply myself in school for a number of reasons, partly due to being the target of bullying. (I have Asperger's and have always been socially awkward.)

In my 20s, I made poor financial choices and then ...Read more

It was the first year millennials ended up as a Halloween costume. There were tights with boots, oversized hats, scarves, statement necklaces that may or may not have included an owl. They called the outfits "Millennial optimism."

Us millennials docked points for wearing jeans that hung in any sort of way aside from being a skin-like peel.

...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm 62 years old, and lately I've noticed something about my adult children that breaks my heart. They seem to have time for everyone but me.

I have two daughters, ages 32 and 35, both married with children. I know they're busy, and I try to respect that. But I'm always the one calling, suggesting dinner or asking when I can see ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband, "Mark," and his father have a strained relationship due to things that occurred when Mark was growing up. Mark is an only child, and his mother has passed away. Since I met my father-in-law prior to our marriage eight years ago, he has never taken any interest in me, Mark or our children. While he has never been directly ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter and her boyfriend want to move back home with my husband and me. They are both in their 30s and have made irresponsible financial decisions that have gotten them to this point. They rented an apartment for $4,000 per month, bought brand-new cars and constantly ate out. There is so much more, but I won't even get into ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I occasionally receive little packets of homemade cards that have been created by artistic, talented friends and neighbors. These may have photos or artwork covers, are blank on the inside for writing personal notes, and often have a small graphic or notation on the back, such as, "Created by ..."

I am pleased to receive ...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm overwhelmed with anger and resentment. My 86-year-old mom, who has lived in the same town as me for 30-plus years, blindsided me by announcing she was moving an hour and a half north to live with my brother. My husband and I have taken care of her -- and my father when he was alive -- for the past 20 years.

I feel extremely ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have been with my significant other for five years and have helped raise his daughter, "Maeve," since she was a toddler. She is now 8, and her behavior -- and his enabling -- are pushing me to my breaking point. Maeve demands her father do everything for her, including bathing and dressing her, and he complies. She runs around the ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have an amazing husband who genuinely makes our marriage feel like a partnership. Not only does he pay all the bills -- even though I have a job and make a pretty good living -- he also helps cook, clean and take care of the kids. He does all of this and never complains about any of the support he gives his family. My husband ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Do you think it is rude to question one's motives? If so, what's behind that thinking?

In court, this is the jury's business, and considering one's motives has to do with our boundaries -- whether or not we should trust someone, become friends with someone, or go into partnership with them with something very important.

In ...Read more

Dear Annie: I was married for 30 years, and some of them were very happy. The man I fell in love with was joyful and excited about life. Over time he grew bitter and withdrawn and critical about nearly everything I did. We tried counseling twice. In the end, we were two people who were no longer compatible, and we divorced.

I'm now 60 and ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been happily married for 30 years. We both were previously widowed and have grown children and a large number of grandchildren. From the beginning of our marriage, we funded many things for our children -- cars, college, weddings, eating out, shopping trips, vacations, etc. Because we're now retired, we can no ...Read more