ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I had a huge falling out with one of my best friends. We hadn't spoken for about three months until the other day, when we got together to talk. We shed a lot of tears and spoke our minds about what happened between us, but we didn't find resolution. I walked away feeling like I was being blamed for something that I don't think ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was at a friend's for dinner. There were seven of us all together, and the host and hostess are quite formal.

A little background to set the mood: We sat outside by the pool, and the table was set with starched linens, lovely china, crystal and sterling silver flatware, along with beautiful candles and fresh flowers. Each ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've been reading more and more of your stories and enjoying them. But the one that really caught my eye is from "Heartbroken Nana," the woman who wants to have a better relationship with her grandchildren.

I am a grandmother of soon-to-be 15 grandchildren, and I am in daily contact with four of them. I take them to school and ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: When we are out as a family, my 30-year-old, millionaire son never pays for anything. He eats more than any of us and never reaches for his wallet, not even to help with the tip. This has been going on for years, and my wife always defends him. I have given up trying to fix it.

I'm writing because my son never fails to criticize the ...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm sad to say that my mother has been lonely for far too long. Her relationship with my father was unsatisfying, and they separated years before his untimely death 18 years ago. Since then, she has neither dated nor maintained any close friendships. My brother lives nearby and sees her a few times a month with his toddler son.

I ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am sad that I haven't found a long-lasting husband. I'm divorced, and my previous relationships and marriage look like intentional hits. I'm not sure what brought this on. I'm in my 40s and I still would like a man in my life. The men I've met all seem to enjoy having their homes to themselves. It's kind of frightening.

Some female...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: One of my closest friends recently landed a new job that pays significantly better than the positions held by the rest of our friend group. While I'm genuinely happy for her success, her behavior since starting this job has been a cause for concern. Ever since she got this job, she's developed an air of superiority. She ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: While cleaning out my mom's attic after she passed, I found love letters from my old girlfriends from 50 years ago -- well before I married my wife of 40 years. I read the letters and then tossed them, as I really didn't want my wife or kids to see them.

I've had a great life, but have always held these women in my heart, as ...Read more

Dear Annie: I grew up never allowed to have pets. I've been married almost 30 years to a man who allowed me to have a small inside dog, and he doesn't mind her so much but hates the two we have outside. Both are rescues, one from his oldest son that had him tied to a tree, the other from a rescue group. Both weigh under 7 pounds. He hates them...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, "Will," and I have been together for seven years. We get along great. I love his close-knit family and adore his parents. He's the youngest of five brothers, most of whom I get along with great. The only brother I don't know is the oldest. "Rick" has been incarcerated for the better part of 30 years for rape. I've always...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm feeling a bit lost and hurt lately because my sister, who used to be my closest friend, seems to have disappeared since getting into a relationship with her new boyfriend. She's been spending all of her time with him, leaving little room for our sisterly bond. I am not the only one who feels this way; she has also pushed away...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am 25 and am lucky to be studying overseas in France. It is a financial struggle, but worth the effort, I think.

I don't splurge on much of anything; I can't, really. But I do indulge my love of breakfast. I will go out in the morning and buy a single buttery croissant, a bit of jam, some rich cheese, a few pieces of fruit ...Read more

Dear Annie: My mother, who is now 62, has always been a dominant personality, keen on having things go her way. I'm 34, an independent graphic designer, and I pride myself on being self-sufficient and creative. But every time I share aspects of my life with her -- be it career choices, romantic partners or even smaller decisions like adopting ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My sister "Sandy" divorced her husband 15 years ago. Her oldest son, "Nick," has never gotten over it. He's 30 now and has treated her badly over the years. He not only vandalized her home but has also said horrible things to her. She maintained a relationship with him despite his behavior, supporting him emotionally and sometimes ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My family has five women -- four sisters and me -- and it has become a silent tradition that for each sibling's wedding, the next in line serves as the maid of honor.

This year, it's my turn to get married, and, being the fourth sibling, I should be asking my youngest sister. I'm not super-close to my younger sister due to an ...Read more