ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm a 45-year-old woman, and a 26-year-old man I've been getting to know wants a serious relationship that leads to marriage. He has been consistent and clear about his intentions. I enjoy our connection, but I've also been honest with him about my hesitation regarding our 19-year age gap. He knows how I feel and remains ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: One of our ladies' restrooms at work has a push-open door; there is no latch and no handle on the outside. One of my co-workers tends to blast through this door at top speed, often startling a person reaching for the handle on the other side.

Today, after narrowly avoiding being struck hard by said door, I'm afraid I made a ...Read more

Dear Annie: My 27-year-old son moved back home eight months ago after his lease ended. The plan was for it to be temporary while he "regrouped." But since then, he's applied to only a handful of jobs. Meanwhile, he's sleeping in, playing video games and getting defensive if I bring up the job search.

I don't want to kick him out, but I also ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm 78, and my husband is 79. This past year, he lost $500,000 through a fraudulent bitcoin site. Fortunately, we have $500,000 left, but I'm so angry about this, you can't imagine -- all of my hard-earned savings, gone. I've had a lifelong dream to go to Italy to see all the amazing art and sculptures. I have scoliosis and suffer ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: This week, my boss made an inappropriate comment about my outfit and body, which made me super uncomfortable. He said that my body looked hot in my dress and that I knew what I was doing to show off my curves. The culture of my company is casual and informal, but I feel like this crossed a line of what is OK to say to your co-...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I visit my local gym multiple times a week to do cardio and strength training. It's not uncommon for members to use their mobile phones as part of their regimen to access workout routines or to time their activities.

However, many members will complete a short set of exercises on the machines, then stay on the machine or ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have always strived to be a super supportive mother-in-law and have maintained what I thought was a great relationship with my daughter-in-law until recently. My daughter-in-law gave birth to my first and only grandchild a little over a year ago, and I have tried my best to respect the boundaries she has set.

I live six hours ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: Let me start off by saying I have a great life, a good job, a loving boyfriend and family I adore. I'm a 42-year-old woman with grown children and grandkids. In the past, I struggled with low self-esteem and now choose to keep to myself.

My life with my boyfriend of seven years has helped me to be more open and has boosted my self-...Read more

All the planning and anticipation is paying off. The council is tonight. Phones turned off, young minds definitely turned on, there are questions to ask, comments to make. Is there anything more wonderful for a parent than being with the next generation of oneself?! (Relax. Smile. And get ready to listen hard to the people who will make the best...Read more

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(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole

DEAR MISS MANNERS: To settle a debate: After an election has been "called," which candidate properly phones the other? The winner or the loser, and why?

I say it's like a tennis match, in which the winner graciously makes the first move to contact the other side, so as not to appear arrogant.

My colleague counters that to do so rubs salt in ...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm the mother of a 14-year-old daughter, and lately TikTok has me genuinely frightened.

At first, I thought it was mostly dancing, makeup tutorials and funny videos. But over time, I started hearing about dangerous "challenges," extreme dieting advice, risky stunts and videos that encourage kids to do things they would never have...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am 39 and have been with my husband for 20 years. We got together when we were young, and our two kids are almost grown. Early in our relationship, he cheated on me several times. I was able to move past that for the most part. We have a solid relationship and life now. A few of my ex-boyfriends have reached out to me over the last ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: This is our second year to host my husband's family for Thanksgiving. Last year, my brother-in-law and his wife extended our invitation to her parents, her brother and his daughter -- members of her extended family who I have met a few times, but don't know well.

I made room for them, but I would prefer to not have people I ...Read more