ArcaMax

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DEAR MISS MANNERS: The 4th of July is quickly approaching. Every year, due to my home being in close proximity to the city's fireworks display, I am bombarded with uninvited visitors. I do invite some friends over, but I spend the evening chasing trespassers off my property.

How do I politely tell people in advance that I do not want smoking or...Read more

Dear Annie: I moved to northern Florida over a year ago to help care for my parents. My sister has lived in southern Florida for many years, and for as long as I can remember, nearly every conversation with her includes the same question: "When are you coming down?"

Before I moved here, she asked it constantly. Once, she and her husband ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I've been employed at the same company for 17 years. I'm the youngest person in the department, and I love my job and the people I work with. One co-worker I used to be close to has a son the same age as mine, and they did sports together and went to each other's birthday parties. I would invite her over to relax by the pool while our...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I told my friend that I got into law school, and immediately I could see a shift in energy -- she was jealous of me. We have both been applying to law schools, and she didn't get into any of her top choices. I was already hesitant to tell her, but I felt weird trying to keep it a secret from her. When I shared the news, I ...Read more