ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I try to integrate my younger sister into my life as often as I can. Though we have a large age gap, she's graduated from college now, so it feels more appropriate to let her come out with me from time to time. She's known a lot of my close friends for a long time. That said, I may have given her the wrong impression by allowing ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: The oddest thing started happening to me when I reached my 80s: Strangers began approaching me to tell me how beautiful I am. It continues regularly at the supermarket, at restaurants or on the bus.

It is unnerving and embarrassing. All my life, no one ever told me I was cute or attractive. I am not ugly, but I've never ...Read more

Dear Annie: I am the person everyone in my family calls when they need something. I babysit, drive relatives to appointments, host holidays and lend money when someone is in a bind. I rarely complain because I love my family and want to be helpful.

A few weeks ago, my sister called me in a panic because her babysitter canceled before an ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I have been married 10 years. Before that we dated for several years. We have a wonderful relationship in many ways, but we've never had the kind of sex life I would prefer. For a long time, we would talk about it and try to find ways to improve things. That communication at least made me feel like this was something we ...Read more

Dear Annie: My husband and I raised our grandson from the time he was a baby. He is now 19, and until recently, we were very close.

When he first introduced us to his girlfriend, I thought she seemed nice enough. But now she is constantly by his side. Whenever I try to talk to him privately, offer advice or help him with something, she ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: After a tumultuous breakup, I reconnected with two men through friends. I've known and liked them both for years. One lives in Europe; the other lives here in New York. Both are wonderful, respectful and caring, and I feel beyond lucky. Both say they are in love with me and want to pursue a serious future. Call me crazy, but I love ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: It's the 250th anniversary of our country, and I am so torn. In my lifetime, I have not felt more disconnected from my patriotism. I love my country -- don't get me wrong -- but I feel like we are terribly divided. The rift between the haves and have-nots is growing, and there seems to be a growing trend to annihilate people of ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: We have a good friend who lives near us and is part of a circle of friends who attend each other's gatherings. This friend has become a doomscroller and is very agitated with the political scene. I have asked him to please just try to enjoy our time together and keep the mood light at the parties we host. However, he can't ...Read more

Dear Readers: On this Fourth of July, I hope you give yourself permission to slow down.

Let the day be simple.

Enjoy the sound of laughter from the next yard. Notice the flags moving in the breeze. Sit outside with a cold drink. Watch the children run through the grass. Stay up for the fireworks, even if you are tired.

There is something ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have been married to my husband for 10 years. Ever since I have known him, he has had issues with depression and anxiety. I have tried to support him through these diagnoses.

He has attempted to go to therapy several times, but he never sticks with it. Once the therapist gets to the point where they start to get into what he needs ...Read more

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