ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: It's the 250th anniversary of our country, and I am so torn. In my lifetime, I have not felt more disconnected from my patriotism. I love my country -- don't get me wrong -- but I feel like we are terribly divided. The rift between the haves and have-nots is growing, and there seems to be a growing trend to annihilate people of ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: We have a good friend who lives near us and is part of a circle of friends who attend each other's gatherings. This friend has become a doomscroller and is very agitated with the political scene. I have asked him to please just try to enjoy our time together and keep the mood light at the parties we host. However, he can't ...Read more

Dear Readers: On this Fourth of July, I hope you give yourself permission to slow down.

Let the day be simple.

Enjoy the sound of laughter from the next yard. Notice the flags moving in the breeze. Sit outside with a cold drink. Watch the children run through the grass. Stay up for the fireworks, even if you are tired.

There is something ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have been married to my husband for 10 years. Ever since I have known him, he has had issues with depression and anxiety. I have tried to support him through these diagnoses.

He has attempted to go to therapy several times, but he never sticks with it. Once the therapist gets to the point where they start to get into what he needs ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I was offered a job, but I am on the fence about taking it; I want to know if my reasoning is stupid. I'm 19, and I don't necessarily need a job, but I would like one to pay off my credit cards faster. I got permission to miss a week at the end of June due to my best friend coming to visit me in New York right before my birthday....Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When I moved to the U.S., I found quite a bit of difference in the dinner party etiquette compared to my home country. When an American co-worker invited me and other friends for dinner with his family at home, it turned out to be extremely stressful, as I was more concerned about avoiding a cultural faux pas than enjoying the...Read more

Dear Annie: I am a 31-year-old woman, and I've been with my boyfriend for five years. We've been talking about marriage for the past two -- talking about it and talking about it. Every time it comes up, it's positive. He tells me he can't wait to marry me. But Annie, the proposal still has not come. I even asked him directly when he would be ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband was married to a woman who lied to him about being pregnant. She wasn't at the time, but she later became pregnant. They had two sons and divorced five years later. He never loved her.

I married him eight years after that. We have been happily married for 45 years. I always thought I had a great relationship with both of ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband forgot our 20-year wedding anniversary, and I've been sobbing about it for a whole week. I planned a surprise romantic dinner for us, and I got him a really nice watch that he has been eyeing for a while. He, however, had nothing planned for me and no gift awaiting me. I've been with him for 20 years, and he can't even...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My daughter was recently married -- a second marriage both for her and for her new husband. They had a lovely ceremony and invited close family and good friends -- well, some good friends.

Three of my daughter's friends work with her new husband's ex-wife. The couple received neither cards nor gifts from this trio. She feels ...Read more

Dear Annie: My husband is one of those people who always needs the TV on. Eating dinner? TV on. Getting dressed? TV on. Even working, he'll have it on -- muted if necessary, but on.

I'm not anti-TV, but I do feel it steals from the quality time we could be sharing. When we eat, he looks at the screen instead of at me. Beyond that, I worry ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I've been married for 20 years and have three kids: 19 (in college), 17 and 15. My wife and I sleep in separate beds and haven't had sex in more than five years -- her choice, not mine. We tried counseling in the past but never got anywhere.

My wife is not investing in our relationship and isn't interested in seeking outside help. At...Read more

Last week, I explained some ways to bring in more money. These are a few more imagination stirrers:

--Join or start an investment club. Your old-girl network will probably yield five or six live wires interested in pooling money and making more. But don't stop there. Reach out to co-workers and relatives who are businesspeople and interested in...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been dating my boyfriend for six months. Most of the time, he is a really great guy. He takes me out on thoughtful dates and is a great communicator. However, sometimes when I ask him to do a small favor for me such as opening a pickle jar that's too hard for me to get or get me a glass of water, he will blow up at me. He ...Read more