ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I was asked to be my friend's maid of honor, and I said no. For context, I said no because I had a baby five months ago and I'm recovering and getting used to now having three young children. I have had little energy to do much of anything. The last thing I need to add to my plate is being heavily involved in a wedding. This ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When I was growing up, my mother was adamant that I learn proper manners, especially at the dinner table. Bad table manners were my mother's pet peeve, and they became mine, as well.

I have a hard time understanding why other people were not taught this growing up. Am I just old-school, and manners are outdated now? Even ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've been married to my husband for six years, and for the most part we have a happy, peaceful life together. The one area where things feel complicated is with my in-laws.

My husband is very close to his parents, which is something I truly admire about him. They raised a kind, thoughtful son, and I know family means a lot to them...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I are disgusted by something we (and our grandson) have never before encountered. Our ex-daughter-in-law of 10 years recently told our 16-year-old grandson she kicked her latest boyfriend out because he would not have sex with her. Our grandson was very upset (as were we). Isn't this considered some sort of abuse?

Our ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am in the creative industry and thoroughly enjoy my job! It offers new experiences and a chance to learn hands-on skills in a safe and supportive environment. The workplace is comfortable and fosters open communication without retaliation. I was given a task that I don't particularly like but that requires enthusiasm to ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I teach seventh grade in a suburban school. I have noticed an increasingly unsettling trend as I walk around the room to check on students: Nobody says "yes, please" or "no, thank you" anymore.

I have tried to remind them in many different ways what the polite response is, but it never really seems to stick. Finally, I ...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm writing with a small story that left me with a surprisingly big question.

Every morning before work, I stop by the same little coffee shop down the street. I started going there because it was convenient, but over time it's become something more than that. The barista remembers my order, the regulars nod hello, and there's an ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My sister-in-law "Nancy" and my wife have a strained relationship, but they love each other and talk often. Every so often, Nancy becomes abusive with my wife. The ire stems from a messy divorce Nancy went through 15 years ago.

We have traveled to see Nancy's son (our nephew) who lives with her ex, "Jim." While we are there, we see ...Read more

Dear Readers: This week, many Christians around the world observe Palm Sunday, the day that begins Holy Week. In the biblical story, crowds gathered along the road to welcome Jesus Christ as he entered Jerusalem. They waved palm branches and laid them on the path before him, celebrating with hope and joy.

Palm branches were symbols of peace ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have fallen out with my best friend of 20 years, and I'm not sure how to proceed. A few years ago, she started a new job and became too busy for chats or to catch up. However, whenever we do manage to chat or catch up, she wades in with advice and suggestions about what I "need" to do to improve my situation.

I'm recently separated...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been on the dating scene for quite some time now, and the rumors are true -- no one is perfect. It's been a harrowing few years since my last relationship, and I've tried blind dates, the apps, meeting friends of a friend, you know the deal. I finally met someone the good old-fashioned way: on accident, in person, at church....Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I recently lost a significant amount of weight -- enough that I had to go buy all new clothes. I know a young lady who doesn't have any money, and she is about the size I was before. I think she could probably use my old clothes, but I can't bring myself to ask her.

Is it rude to basically say, "I'm skinny now and don't need ...Read more

Dear Annie: This situation has been bothering me for four years and is much more complicated, but I'll try to be brief. I'm a horticulturist and plant collector and have lived in my home for 38 years. I've put my extra time and money into my perennial flower beds, and some of the plants in my collection are worth as much as $200.

Whenever my ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: Six months ago, I started spending time with a woman I knew casually for about a year following her traumatic breakup with her ex-boyfriend. At first, we were just friends, but it quickly progressed as we opened up and shared everything about ourselves with each other. She continued insisting we were "just friends" and went out with ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: As I get older, I feel like I am becoming invisible to all men. I don't want to sound as if I'm a "pick-me girl," as my daughters say, but it's been difficult. I have been divorced for two years, and I'm trying to put myself out there, but it seems like men are only interested in younger women, not 50-year-old divorcees with kids...Read more