ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm in an interracial relationship for the first time, and I'm struggling to figure out whether I'm genuinely uncomfortable or simply overthinking things because this is new territory for me. My partner seems to bring up race more often than I anticipated, even when it doesn't seem particularly relevant to the conversation or ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I took a new colleague to lunch. We were having a nice conversation about baseball when he said, "I've always felt inferior for being short."

Huh? I said, "Maybe you'll grow up."

Stupid and mean, but what was I supposed to say? "Everyone loves you anyway"? How was I supposed to react? He IS short. Should I have told him he's...Read more

Dear Readers: After my column in response to "Worried Daughter," who was concerned that her widowed mother was becoming increasingly isolated and dependent two years after her husband's death, readers wrote with thoughtful suggestions. Thank you to all, but especially to two readers for sharing your personal and professional experiences with ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I've been in a relationship with a man for three years and living with him for the past two. He has two married daughters and seven grandkids. Before I entered his life, he had an open-door policy. He allowed them to visit whenever they wanted, and they still have keys to his house.

My partner and I are not on the same page regarding...Read more

They were behind at the orthodontist's office and the waiting room was full. My daughter went to sit down as I checked in, and I sucked it in to slide into the one seat open next to her. The two boys, both under 10, in our row were each on their phones. Their mom, sitting in front of them was on her phone. In fact, everyone in the waiting room...Read more

Dear Annie: My husband and I have been married for 18 years, and I love him dearly. But lately, there are nights when I fantasize less about romance and more about having my own quiet bedroom.

My husband snores so loudly that I can hear him from the hallway with the bedroom door closed. It starts almost the minute his head hits the pillow. I ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I moved 2,000 miles to be near my daughter and her family. One of my granddaughters, "Libby," was diagnosed with a medical condition and has put on some weight. I was at my daughter's and was going to mention my concern for my granddaughter's weight. Before I could finish, my son-in-law came in, told me I shouldn't be talking about ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter's teacher asked me out on a date today and I said yes. However, I am worried about how this will affect her. I am a single mom to my 10-year-old daughter, and she is my world. I haven't been out on a date in four years and I'm nervous, especially because he is my daughter's teacher. My daughter really likes her ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I understand that one usually does not decline gifts. One accepts the piece of bric-a-brac gracefully, and after some tactful time, regifts or donates it.

But my in-laws give us furniture. Not single pieces of treasured family heirlooms, or even a single chair -- entire suites of furniture! A bedroom set, a dining room set, ...Read more

Dear Annie: I walked away from a 50-plus-year friendship. I've known "Ralph," his wife and his kids since the late-1970s. We both worked construction. We never had a deep friendship; most men from the boomer generation don't. Ralph has a sense of humor that others would say is off-putting, including uncomfortable joking, but we went through ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: All members of my family are white. When my children were smaller, an incident occurred at a family holiday. One relative has a history of making racist comments, so this time we told everyone that if it happened again, we would leave. He did, and we left. My husband raised his voice at that person and made polite excuses to everyone ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My son quit medical school about a year ago to chase his passion of becoming a model. He moved to New York City, but he hasn't been able to book many jobs. He also works part time as a server to be able to cover his living expenses. I will admit I am disappointed that he quit medical school to pursue a path that isn't working out...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: How do you thank people for their support after a devastating fire destroys your home?

We just had a grease fire in our propane grill. I did what I always do: I turned the burners off and shut the propane tank valve, then closed the lid and waited for it to go out.

Well, this time it didn't go out. Instead, it burned through...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm 28 and live in a two-bedroom apartment in Washington state with my friend "Jess." She's an excellent roommate -- clean, considerate, quiet. I know I'm lucky. But there's one thing driving me crazy: the thermostat. She works from home and keeps the heat cranked to nearly 80 degrees! When I get home from the office, I start ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am a 79-year-old woman who, over time, has suffered the loss of several family members. Now I'm facing the worst loss imaginable. A year ago, my 24-year-old grandson "Rafe" cut himself off from his father and from me. Until then, we had been a close, loving family who did things together. Rafe and his girlfriend live rent-free in my...Read more