ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently tried to merge separate friends for an outing, and it failed terribly. I invited a new friend of mine to go out with my girlfriends and me to a Latin club that we often frequent. At first, everyone was having a great time, and my girlfriends couldn't stop talking about how cool my new friend was and how much everyone ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: New partners should not be in the family pictures. If the relationships don't last, it ruins the pictures. Believe me, I learned this the hard way.

I know, others may get divorced, etc. but I think the one-year rule is a good one.

GENTLE READER: Sure. But Miss Manners thought the point of taking pictures was to get a time ...Read more

Dear Annie: For the 23 years I've been married, I've cooked dinner for my husband nearly every night. He has no idea how much planning, shopping and cleanup goes into it. I think he thinks the food just appears.

Recently, he's turned critical about nearly every meal: The chicken's too dry, the vegetables are too salty. I've told him how ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, "Evan," and his mother, "Mitzi," tell people they are siblings. I love my boyfriend, but I don't feel comfortable lying for him, and I wish he wouldn't lie for his mother. Evan is in his early 30s. His mother is in her early 50s, though she tells people she is 10 years younger.

Mitzi has worked in the hospitality ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I had three children in four and a half years, and I want to get my spark and confidence back. Throughout these back-to-back pregnancies, I gained about 30 pounds, and now I don't feel comfortable in my own body. I've tried to start working out, but I never stay consistent because I'm trying to manage a career while having so ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: According to my doctor and a genetic test, I have early onset Parkinson's disease. I am 38. I am having a lot of the memory issues and brain fog that come with the disease, but not the noticeable tremors in these early stages.

What do I say to people who don't understand why I forget words midsentence, or the correct names ...Read more

Dear Annie: My wife, who is 62, has always been insecure about her weight, even though I've never once cared or thought she needed to change anything. A few months ago, she decided on her own to start a GLP-1 medication for weight loss, and she's doing it under a doctor's supervision. She's thrilled with the results so far. I'm happy she's ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband died six years ago. I met a widower three years ago. He was nice and attentive, but not anymore. We moved in together, and the last two years I have been miserable.

I pay half the rent. I also pay for all the groceries and gas and pick up the check every time we go out to eat. He even takes my meds, so I have only half of ...Read more

Ask yourself when love comes to a halt: What can I do to nourish myself, to fill the emptiness? Has my life changed so totally that I need to figure things out again? Or is there something I postponed for the sake of being coupled? And is this the perfect time to get it done, with no excuses accepted? Am I a little wiser for the next romantic go...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: One of my neighbors yelled at my 10-year-old for not being careful while crossing the street. My family's house is a few doors down from a turn where it can sometimes be difficult to make sure that it is clear to cross the street. Usually my daughter is very responsible, making sure to be extra careful when crossing the street to...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: The employees at the school I work at have been asked not to wear scents due to the alleged allergies claimed by a co-worker. The students have not been directed to do the same.

So I arranged with a co-worker I'm friends with to thank her profusely, in front of the "allergic" person, for the body spray she gave me. My friend ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have a 9-year-old son from a previous relationship and a 3-year-old daughter with my current partner. He is a wonderful, involved father and partner. He makes lunches, does laundry, cleans up after dinner, helps with bedtime and will often notice something needs to be done before I even ask.

The strange part is that instead of ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm a college junior in need of advice. I share an apartment with two other female students, "Wendy" and "Lauren," who roomed together before I met them. Wendy is sweet and easygoing, but she grew up in a rural area and seems very sheltered. For example, she can't swim and thinks that eating shrimp is exotic, but she likes to clog ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I want to pursue a bachelor's degree. I know what you're thinking: Go for it. The catch is, I've been down this road before -- a few times. The first few times I went to college were at my parents' behest. Based on how many times I changed my major and my lack of effort, I'd say I wasn't particularly ready at the time. Now that I...Read more