ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: My father is a little larger and doesn't properly take care of himself, and I believe it's starting to affect his health. My family and I tried walking around New York City, and after 15 minutes, we had to stop at a park bench. He was panting, and I genuinely thought he might have been having a heart attack. He has high blood ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: It is like a compulsion for many people to forward emails they've received, usually filled with jokes and such. To my surprise, many seem to enjoy those emails.

I stopped everybody from forwarding me those emails by telling them the truth: If I want jokes, I will buy a book of jokes. I have TV sets, radios, newspapers and all...Read more

Dear Annie: I've been friends with "Jessie" for several years, but lately, I've been feeling like the friendship is one-sided. I'm always the one reaching out, making plans and putting in the effort. Jessie has been responding to my texts with one-word answers, if at all.

I value our friendship a lot, but I'm starting to question whether she ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband's best friend died when we were in our early 30s. His son, "Marty," recently moved back to the area with his wife and three boys. We think of them as family.

My husband often needs help with heavy handyman jobs. (I was diagnosed with cancer and am unable to help him.) He frequently recruits Marty for this kind of help, and...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am struggling with social media. I am making a career pivot, so it is a beautiful time for me as I make new discoveries and explore new skills, but it is also a scary and intimidating chapter. Social media has its pros and cons for this season that I'm in, and I'm trying to decide whether the good outweighs the bad. On one hand...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a 25-year-old-lawyer who worked as a law clerk for a year before passing the bar exam. When I accompany the partner to hearings where a client is present, I invariably get asked whether I am still in law school or how I like being a paralegal.

What is the appropriate response? Also, when I am in the office, sometimes ...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm feeling torn between pursuing my dream and maintaining my financial stability. I have a job as an accountant making six figures, but it's boring work -- so boring that I dread getting out of bed every morning. The days go by slowly, and I find myself living for the weekend.

On the other hand, I've had a passion for photography ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: For years, my only daughter and I got along pretty well. Then she stopped visiting or speaking to us, meaning we didn't see our grandchildren or my son-in-law. That went on for six to eight years. Suddenly, she has responded on Facebook but refuses to tell me what the problem was.

When you don't communicate with somebody for this ...Read more

Sigmund Freud wrote: "From being in love to hypnosis is evidently only a short step. The respects in which the two agree are obvious. There is the same humble subjection, the same compliance, the same absence of criticism, towards the hypnotist just as towards the loved object. There is the same absorption of one's own initiative. ... The ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: As my parents get older, they are focusing more on organizing their affairs and estate planning. With that comes some tough decisions. I am the oldest of four children, and naturally, my parents default to me for certain things. When we were growing up, my parents acquired several properties, and they purchased them in my name ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: As my guests were all sitting around in my living room after a nice dinner, one friend took their socks off. This has happened three times in the past two months.

One time, they said, "I hope you don't mind, but I have to take my socks off." By then, one sock was already off.

I was shocked and didn't know what to do. If it ...Read more

Dear Annie: I love the gym. It has really helped me gain confidence and strength. I have been going to the same gym in our small town for roughly 10 years. I know all the people there and enjoy my time there -- until lately.

There is a woman who just started going to the gym who is toxic. She really hurt a dear friend of mine, whose child was ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband of 31 years died suddenly five years ago. Our family -- four kids, six grandkids -- was devastated. We still haven't recovered. We used to be a happy bunch, spending time at the lake, backyard barbecues by the pool and football games. My husband was an integral part of this. With him gone, we now get together only on major ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My closest cousin recently passed away due to her age. It was a big shock to the entire family. Growing up, she always made me feel welcomed on her side of the family, took time to show me around our city and even helped me move into college. She was more than just a cousin; she was a true friend and confidante. We often spoke ...Read more