ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am planning a trip for my birthday, and managing the invites is intimidating! I don't like traveling with large groups, so I've decided I would like a total of four to six of us on the trip. I prefer it that way because I think it allows for more intimacy and connection during our time together, and it lends itself better to ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I hate dress codes, but for the opposite reason that most people rail about them. Many say that dress codes are a violation of their God-given right to wear gym clothes to work, or they say that wearing a tie (let alone a tuxedo) to a wedding causes them extreme physical discomfort. Blah, blah, blah.

Well, my wife and I just ...Read more

Dear Annie: This past July, my husband and I rented a house near us so our two daughters, their husbands and our grandchildren could all spend time together. Since everyone lives several states apart, we thought it would be a wonderful chance to reconnect and hopefully start a yearly family tradition.

We live only about 15 minutes from the ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: A good friend in our prayer circle, "Diane," has a friend, "Suzy," with whom several of us once socialized. We've all distanced ourselves because Suzy has anger and stability issues that have become increasingly frequent since her former spouse has begun dating again. Diane allows Suzy to verbalize all kinds of half-truths and act out...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My neighbor's dog keeps digging up our yard and leaving feces there. I have gone over to my neighbor and tried to address this issue, but her dog continues to destroy our yard. I suggested that she get a fence, and she said they were looking into it, but I don't think they are going to because fences can be very expensive. At ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am frequently included in group texts involving relatives, friends, and former colleagues. These conversations range from lighthearted banter to grave news or shared memories.

While I am not always interested in the topics discussed, I worry that failing to reply -- what my daughter calls "ghosting" -- is rude. I often feel...Read more

Dear Annie: My twin sister and I have been compared to each other for as long as I can remember. As children, people compared our grades, our looks, our friends and even our personalities. We always laughed it off, but now that we are older, I'm beginning to realize how much those comparisons still affect me.

My life has turned out very well....Read more

DEAR ABBY: My grandson is 2 and has started to call me "Mimi." The problem is that his other grandmother chose Mimi for herself. My daughter-in-law is annoyed and does not want him calling me Mimi. She also doesn't want me to be called Mom-Mom because he calls her Ma-Ma. Am I wrong to be upset? I've been an active caregiver in this child's life ...Read more

The last thing my 10-year-old asked me last night was if he'd get his seal shirt in the morning. The first thing my 11-year-old mumbled when I turned on his light and wished him a happy birthday was, "Seal shirt."

His obsession with seals started with his first stuffed animal, a harbor seal that was a cast-off from his sister's collection. ...Read more

Dear Readers: Today is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. People are encouraged to forgive, reflect and start fresh. And while it is a Jewish holiday, its message is one that just about anyone can appreciate.

The idea is simple: Take a look at the year behind you and ask yourself a few questions. Was I kind enough? Did I make time for the ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am a person with a million-dollar heart and a 5-cent bank account. I have big dreams that I know could change lives. I want to write a book about my experience with emotional abuse so I can help others heal. I also dream of starting a soda stand to build something tangible with my kids.

The problem is that my current life is ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I married my husband about five years ago, and his family always expects us to host for holidays and other celebrations. After five years of this, I am reaching my breaking point. My husband and I are both successful and have been able to buy a large home. My husband's family is huge, so our home accommodates everyone the best, ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My friends and I have been celebrating a monthly Moms Night Out for years. There are 11 of us, and it's common practice that the restaurants we visit include an 18% gratuity in our bill because we are such a large party.

Normally this is fine; however, there have been times when we have received very poor service. If we feel ...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm an 18-year-old woman who just started my freshman year of college out of state. Everything is going well, and I'm meeting new people with different perspectives.

One thing I'm experiencing is my "I don't know" phase, which is new for me. Especially with relationships, I don't know if I like certain boys because they're ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: About 15 years ago, my nephew gave me a birthday gift of a baseball bat signed by a top player. I love baseball, so it was a lovely gift. After I thanked him, he said, "When my son is older, I would like you to give it to him." We have been estranged now for at least 10 years because his spouse dislikes our family for some reason.

Am...Read more