ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: While most of my family members moved away when they went to college, I stayed in town. Fast-forward to 40-some years later: I'm still here, and I am the one everyone is relying on.

Recently, my father passed away, and the arrangements were totally left to me even though I have several siblings. This came after I organized all ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am female, and I have a male friend who likes to flirt with other women when we go out for dinner or other occasions. Seeing as we're just friends, I don't think I have any justification for asking him to cool it.

On the other hand, I feel like he uses me in a way and disrespects me by constantly turning his attention ...Read more

Dear Annie: This letter describes my life experiences with bullies and how I managed to succeed. I was a scrawny, pimple-faced little kid growing up, had a weak voice, got fists shaken in my face while being held to the ground several times, was held underwater in swimming class and nearly drowned, was mocked for not having a girlfriend until my...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm a 55-year-old man who dated a very special lady, "Dawn," for 12 years. We were both married when we met. I fell in love with her, and after we divorced our spouses, we continued being together.

I have two kids. Dawn didn't get along with the older one. My daughter wasn't rude, but she obviously didn't like Dawn. I proposed to ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I quit my job just four months after starting because it wasn't what I expected, and now I'm struggling more than I ever imagined to find a new one. I honestly thought I had built enough connections in my industry to help me land a position quickly, but everyone has gone silent. I'm updating my resume constantly, applying to jobs...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am proud of my mantel Christmas display. I have a number of rustic Santa Claus figurines, and I wrap clear, twinkling lights around them. I have received compliments on the display.

My sister commented that it looks like Santa threw up on my mantel. I didn't know how to respond.

GENTLE READER: Trust Miss Manners: It is ...Read more

Dear Annie: Almost 15 years ago, my older sister removed me from her life after a series of messy arguments. At the time, she just stopped taking my calls and waited for me to leave family functions before going. She told our three siblings and mother that she didn't want me in her life. She likely gave them reasons but never allowed anyone to ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My 58-year-old husband recently shared a bed in our camper with a 21-year-old family friend. The friend is female. This happened in my absence. He thinks of her as a "daughter," and although I'm not concerned about anything inappropriate happening between them, I still feel it was inappropriate. I expressed my feelings to him and said...Read more

Here, in the never-married section of the survey, responses are worth an extended reading because this is a population rarely polled -- and even more rarely in full voice. So think a bit about this group's words as you add your own:

--Have you chosen not to marry because you want to grow as a person first? (About 58 percent said no.)

--Do you ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My partner and I decided to take a break because I felt consistently unheard in our relationship. No matter how many times I tried to express my needs, it seemed like they never truly landed, and I reached a point where I needed distance for my own emotional well-being. Now something heartbreaking has happened: His father passed ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: We went to breakfast this morning with four people total, and I informed the waitress beforehand that we'd like separate, individual checks. One of the participants piped up when I said that, saying that he'd like one single bill instead.

I assumed he meant that he would take care of the entire bill for all four of us. I ...Read more

Dear Annie: My mother-in-law is 81 and a widow. She currently lives alone. Her health is declining, and she has been talking about wanting my husband and me to move in with her and "take care of her and the house." She is adamantly against moving into assisted living or anything similar. I already cook meals and take them to her weekly. I help ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I stopped having sexual relations eight years ago. She keeps our two grandchildren 11 to 12 hours a day, five (and sometimes six) days a week. (That's 60 to 70 hours.) By the time they're picked up, she's irritated, agitated, frustrated and wants to be left alone. She doesn't want to talk or spend any time with me. She can...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My parents are coming to visit me for Christmas in New York City, and I really wanted to do something nice for them by booking an Airbnb or hotel so they could have their own space and be comfortable. I tried to plan everything myself to make the visit special, but I ended up waiting too long. Now the prices are sky-high -- ...Read more