Life Advice
/Health
/ArcaMax
Asking Eric: Sister’s financial chaos causes strain
Dear Eric: My older sister, with whom I’ve never been close, is in her 80s and highly dysfunctional with money and life. She can’t make ends meet despite being a real estate agent and a substitute teacher.
I have “loan papers” she signed years back promising to pay me/us back, which never happened. Finally, I put a boundary on us to ...Read more
Gen Z'r Looking To Make More Connections
DEAR HARRIETTE: As a member of Gen Z, many of my social media feeds are filled with rotating headlines about the latest global news. I have noticed that many of my friends are unsure about how to develop as young adults during such a transitional point in time. As a generation that grew up during the rise of technology and experienced many major...Read more
Sitting 'properly' Surprisingly Difficult
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was taught that women sit with their legs together, just crossed at the ankles. My daughter is trying to have her daughter not cross her legs, but she sees all those TV women sit that way.
GENTLE READER: Miss Manners has noticed that a few notable women on TV (as opposed to "TV women") have actually been crossing their legs...Read more
Running Out of Reassurance
Dear Annie: I am an adult now with grown siblings, but it seems my mother's anxiety is growing right along with us.
My mother is an incredibly anxious person. I try to be empathetic, but she hasn't seen a therapist in years, and she completely dismisses any logical or positive reassurances meant to comfort her. At this point, I am at a loss ...Read more
Fiance Tells Widow No Pictures Of Late Husband In Their Home
DEAR ABBY: I've been a widow for nine years and just got engaged. When I asked my fiance if I could put a picture of my late husband in our new home, he became upset. He said he shouldn't have to walk into his own home and look at pictures of a man who once "had" me.
I have three kids with my late husband. We were high school sweethearts, and I...Read more
Asking Eric: Helpful in-laws shut out of family plans
Dear Eric: Our married son and wife share all their plans, ideas, life experiences with her family and we hear nothing. We watch our grandkids, help them at a drop of a dime, we even spiff up the house when watching the kids and let their dogs out.
When we hear what they're doing or planning from her side of the family, we’ve had to stop ...Read more
Friend's Drug Use Is Getting Worse
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been friends with someone for close to 10 years now. Over that time, we have seen each other through many transitions and changes. As we move into young adulthood, we are facing a lot of unexpected challenges that are getting harder to solve. My friend has started using drugs that are getting increasingly stronger. I am ...Read more
'i'm Not Complaining,' She Complained
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am an aunt to a niece who is married with two sons. She's always been somewhat naive about certain things. This last Christmas, she gave me a $25 gift card to a place where I get pedicures. I was somewhat surprised, as a pedicure here costs $49.
She and her husband make a combined income of over $150,000. They recently ...Read more
The Marriage Ledger
Dear Annie: I am middle-aged and lost my job during the pandemic when the company I had been with for years eliminated my position. Despite my experience and education, I have not been able to find anything permanent or full-time since.
I feel like I am too old to be hired and too young to retire. My husband and I live in an economically ...Read more
Woman's Antics At The Office Negatively Impact Co-Workers
DEAR ABBY: I have worked with "Bev" for 12 years. She is insufferable. I love my job and my other co-workers, but they all feel the same way as I do. Bev is a domineering, bullying, entitled woman in her late 50s. She has two "friends" in the entire facility and, unfortunately, considers me one of them, as well as our boss, "Janet," who I am ...Read more
Ask Anna: How do I honor my queerness when no one can see it?
Dear Anna,
I’m a bi/pan woman who’s been married to my husband for 11 years. I’ve always known I wasn’t straight but never explored it much. I had one relationship with a woman early on, and that was it. I’m not looking to open my marriage or date other people. I just want to find ways to honor this part of myself that’s always been...Read more
Single File: Money Smarts (Part 1)
Let's assume you're well-organized and dripping with money smarts but the money under your control is still not exactly "significant." Angry? Discouraged? Great! You're ripe for upward movement. There are a zillion ways to bring in more money. These are only a few imagination stirrers:
--Finish your schooling. A college degree will get you two-...Read more
Ask Dating Coach Erika: Why aren't the apps working for me?
Like it or not, dating apps are the most ubiquitous way to meet new people these days. In my 15 years of being a dating coach, I’ve seen thousands of happy relationships start this way. But I’ve also heard all the shortcomings: “It takes up too much time.” “I’m not getting the matches I’m looking for.” “There’s no one good.�...Read more
Asking Eric: Road trip leads to resentment
Dear Eric: There is someone I have been friends with for more than 37 years. My husband and I moved to another state 12 years ago, but my friendship with this person has endured.
She calls every weekday and we mostly talk about her family and her kids, et cetera. About six months ago, she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s.
For ...Read more
Job Hunter Weighs The Benefits Of Taking Retail Position
DEAR HARRIETTE: An old manager of mine recently reached out to me and offered me a job. It's a department store-esque luxury makeup beauty adviser position in an upscale neighborhood in New York City. The job aligns with my interests and would give me money that I desperately need, especially since I didn't get a summer internship.
My only fear...Read more
On Taking 'how Are You?' Literally
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I've become lost for words greeting people I interact with on a regular basis -- for example, neighbors and store employees.
After greeting them with a smile, I ask them, "How are you today?" I'm then met with a barrage of things going wrong in their lives, their financial hardships, and many details of illnesses.
I do have ...Read more
Daughter-in-Law Has Distanced Herself After Baby
Dear Annie: I am heartbroken over my daughter-in-law's sudden and painful change in behavior since the birth of our grandson a year ago.
Before the baby was born, we had a warm relationship. For four years, she was sweet, kind and very much a part of our large extended family. She joined family trips, holidays and even our "happy birthday" ...Read more
Truth Emerges After Two Decades Of Concealment
DEAR ABBY: Years ago, my wife and I were separated. During that time, we still spent time together, had marital relations and went on many trips with our kids. During that period, two individuals who were supposed to be my friends started talking to my wife behind my back. Because they had crossed a line, I ended my friendships with them. They ...Read more
Asking Eric: Married friend might be flirting
Dear Eric: I am a long-retired senior citizen. I manage my days by finding things to do. In the evenings, I generally go out to a handful of local establishments. Being single I sit at the bar to dine and have a cocktail. I am friendly and chat with just about anyone
At one establishment, I run into a lady from time to time. She is married but ...Read more
Man Falls For Best Friend's Sister
DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend and I have been practically brothers for the past 15 years. Being that close, I have spent a lot of time with his family (and vice versa), and in that time, his sister and I have grown fond of each other. We text sometimes and talk about activities and places we should explore together, but out of respect for my ...Read more
Inside Life Advice
Popular Stories
- Ask Anna: How do I honor my queerness when no one can see it?
- Ask Dating Coach Erika: Why aren't the apps working for me?
- Ask Anna: 2 of my friends offered to make out with me. Is that normal?
- Ask Dating Coach Erika: We've had two fights that almost broke us. Is this normal?
- Ask Anna: I still think about my ex years later. Should I contact them?






















