ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I had three children in four and a half years, and I want to get my spark and confidence back. Throughout these back-to-back pregnancies, I gained about 30 pounds, and now I don't feel comfortable in my own body. I've tried to start working out, but I never stay consistent because I'm trying to manage a career while having so ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: According to my doctor and a genetic test, I have early onset Parkinson's disease. I am 38. I am having a lot of the memory issues and brain fog that come with the disease, but not the noticeable tremors in these early stages.

What do I say to people who don't understand why I forget words midsentence, or the correct names ...Read more

Dear Annie: My wife, who is 62, has always been insecure about her weight, even though I've never once cared or thought she needed to change anything. A few months ago, she decided on her own to start a GLP-1 medication for weight loss, and she's doing it under a doctor's supervision. She's thrilled with the results so far. I'm happy she's ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband died six years ago. I met a widower three years ago. He was nice and attentive, but not anymore. We moved in together, and the last two years I have been miserable.

I pay half the rent. I also pay for all the groceries and gas and pick up the check every time we go out to eat. He even takes my meds, so I have only half of ...Read more

Ask yourself when love comes to a halt: What can I do to nourish myself, to fill the emptiness? Has my life changed so totally that I need to figure things out again? Or is there something I postponed for the sake of being coupled? And is this the perfect time to get it done, with no excuses accepted? Am I a little wiser for the next romantic go...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: One of my neighbors yelled at my 10-year-old for not being careful while crossing the street. My family's house is a few doors down from a turn where it can sometimes be difficult to make sure that it is clear to cross the street. Usually my daughter is very responsible, making sure to be extra careful when crossing the street to...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: The employees at the school I work at have been asked not to wear scents due to the alleged allergies claimed by a co-worker. The students have not been directed to do the same.

So I arranged with a co-worker I'm friends with to thank her profusely, in front of the "allergic" person, for the body spray she gave me. My friend ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have a 9-year-old son from a previous relationship and a 3-year-old daughter with my current partner. He is a wonderful, involved father and partner. He makes lunches, does laundry, cleans up after dinner, helps with bedtime and will often notice something needs to be done before I even ask.

The strange part is that instead of ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm a college junior in need of advice. I share an apartment with two other female students, "Wendy" and "Lauren," who roomed together before I met them. Wendy is sweet and easygoing, but she grew up in a rural area and seems very sheltered. For example, she can't swim and thinks that eating shrimp is exotic, but she likes to clog ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I want to pursue a bachelor's degree. I know what you're thinking: Go for it. The catch is, I've been down this road before -- a few times. The first few times I went to college were at my parents' behest. Based on how many times I changed my major and my lack of effort, I'd say I wasn't particularly ready at the time. Now that I...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I know a few people who define everyone by their weight. Now, these people aren't perfect themselves, but their imperfections aren't as readily apparent as being fat. No imperfection is as apparent as that!

It drives me nuts when they describe someone as "chubby" or "fat" when no physical description is even necessary. One of...Read more

Dear Annie: I have a friend I've known for more than 30 years. He is a good person, loyal and generous, and we share a lot of history. The problem is that he has absolutely no sense of when he has lost a room.

At dinner parties, he can take over the entire conversation with a story that lasts 15 or 20 minutes. And these are not short, lively ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My father passed away three months ago, leaving my mom alone for the first time in her life. She lives nearby, so my wife and I have been doing what we can. We have her over several times a week, and we visit and call to check in often.

Mom is having a hard time and sometimes forgets to eat or get dressed if we don't remind her. ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My teenage daughter broke up with her first boyfriend, and she's having a tough time getting over him. It's been almost a year, and she still talks about him incessantly and says he was the love of her life. I have told her many times that she is 16 years old, and she has so much time to meet other people who will love her more. ...Read more