ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I was offered a job, but I am on the fence about taking it; I want to know if my reasoning is stupid. I'm 19, and I don't necessarily need a job, but I would like one to pay off my credit cards faster. I got permission to miss a week at the end of June due to my best friend coming to visit me in New York right before my birthday....Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When I moved to the U.S., I found quite a bit of difference in the dinner party etiquette compared to my home country. When an American co-worker invited me and other friends for dinner with his family at home, it turned out to be extremely stressful, as I was more concerned about avoiding a cultural faux pas than enjoying the...Read more

Dear Annie: I am a 31-year-old woman, and I've been with my boyfriend for five years. We've been talking about marriage for the past two -- talking about it and talking about it. Every time it comes up, it's positive. He tells me he can't wait to marry me. But Annie, the proposal still has not come. I even asked him directly when he would be ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband was married to a woman who lied to him about being pregnant. She wasn't at the time, but she later became pregnant. They had two sons and divorced five years later. He never loved her.

I married him eight years after that. We have been happily married for 45 years. I always thought I had a great relationship with both of ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband forgot our 20-year wedding anniversary, and I've been sobbing about it for a whole week. I planned a surprise romantic dinner for us, and I got him a really nice watch that he has been eyeing for a while. He, however, had nothing planned for me and no gift awaiting me. I've been with him for 20 years, and he can't even...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My daughter was recently married -- a second marriage both for her and for her new husband. They had a lovely ceremony and invited close family and good friends -- well, some good friends.

Three of my daughter's friends work with her new husband's ex-wife. The couple received neither cards nor gifts from this trio. She feels ...Read more

Dear Annie: My husband is one of those people who always needs the TV on. Eating dinner? TV on. Getting dressed? TV on. Even working, he'll have it on -- muted if necessary, but on.

I'm not anti-TV, but I do feel it steals from the quality time we could be sharing. When we eat, he looks at the screen instead of at me. Beyond that, I worry ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I've been married for 20 years and have three kids: 19 (in college), 17 and 15. My wife and I sleep in separate beds and haven't had sex in more than five years -- her choice, not mine. We tried counseling in the past but never got anywhere.

My wife is not investing in our relationship and isn't interested in seeking outside help. At...Read more

Last week, I explained some ways to bring in more money. These are a few more imagination stirrers:

--Join or start an investment club. Your old-girl network will probably yield five or six live wires interested in pooling money and making more. But don't stop there. Reach out to co-workers and relatives who are businesspeople and interested in...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been dating my boyfriend for six months. Most of the time, he is a really great guy. He takes me out on thoughtful dates and is a great communicator. However, sometimes when I ask him to do a small favor for me such as opening a pickle jar that's too hard for me to get or get me a glass of water, he will blow up at me. He ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Will you please write something about people not talking from their windows, especially from a second-floor window to someone below at the door?

GENTLE READER: While she agrees that it is impolite to yell at all hours and disturb the neighbors, Miss Manners cannot agree to the more absolute ban you seek. It would do away with...Read more

Dear Annie: My wife (40) and I (53) have been married for almost a year and a half. A few weeks ago, she moved out and took our daughters, ages 3 and 4, with her. When she left, she said they'd be back that evening. They haven't returned. I haven't seen or spoken to my girls in almost a month.

When I ask to see or talk to them, my wife says ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: When I was 16 and my sister "Daisy" was 18, I found out she was in a sexual relationship with my boyfriend, "Tyler" (also 18). I broke it off. She then asked if I minded her dating him. I'm sure I said I didn't, but I thought, "Why ask? You were already having sex with him." (He and I hadn't.) Tyler and I remained friends through the ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am new to dating and honestly feel at a loss. I'm a male college student who has never had a real relationship. I feel like I let things slide in the pursuit of forming a relationship, and I end up getting hurt.

I'm currently seeing this boy who I am head over heels for, but he says one thing and does another. The last time we...Read more