ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: At 36, after I've spent 10 years as a devoted housewife and raising our three boys, my husband's recent job loss due to health-related issues has brought us to a crossroads: How can I return to work? I had a thriving career before deciding to focus on our family, but the thought of reentering the workforce after such a long break...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: After 22 years together, my "husband" and I are finally getting legally married -- a bit tardy, as same-sex marriage was legalized years ago! We're neither young nor rolling in cash, so we have a very tight budget and need to keep the guest count on the low side.

I would like to include two or three of my co-workers with whom...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm a 58-year-old grandmother to two grandchildren: a 7-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl. I've been their primary caregiver (besides their parents) since they were born. I still play a significant role in their lives, visiting often on weekends and staying for a couple of nights at a time since I live an hour away.

Here's where...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My mother is toxic. She had a terrible childhood, and she takes it out on me and my younger siblings. I live far away; they live in the same town as she does. If they don't drop everything for her and do what she wants, she calls them selfish.

Because I had to leave town to get my life together, I am accused of "abandoning" her. I am...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: Today at my bakery, I received a delightful surprise: a box of freshly picked wildflowers left on the doorstep with a card that read, "For the sweetest baker in town." This unexpected gesture filled my day with warmth and gratitude, prompting me to reflect on the importance of small acts of kindness. I recently opened my business...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Over the past year, I built a friendship with one of my co-workers in a very prestigious organization. We are both in our 50s. She can be hyper-verbal at times. She started volunteering information about many things -- her salary, her poor upbringing, her marital details, her husband's personal habits, her spirituality ...Read more

Dear Annie: I am writing because I am not sure if I am being "prudish" or "straitlaced."

I will give you a little background. I am 63 years old; my husband is almost 70. We have been married 12 years, together 14. His first wife passed away, and I am divorced (I had been divorced for 19 years when I met him). He absolutely swept me off my ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have been in a relationship with "Ben" for 13 years, but I have been to his parents' home only twice. I really love him. We never go anywhere or do anything together. He has never given me a gift for any occasion or "just because." Material things don't matter to me, but if he thought to get me something, it would make me feel he ...Read more

DEAR SUSAN: I just re-read your column about "apartners," and I'm sending along my 2 cents. Since my marriage ended two years ago, I've been lucky enough to share some personally productive relationships. Currently, I'm dating someone with the strength of character to be himself with me, and we're having a wonderful time. But as much as I like ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a mother of two teenage daughters, ages 14 and 16, and their constant fighting is driving me insane. It seems like every day there's a new argument, whether it's about sharing clothes, using the bathroom or even the smallest things, such as who gets to sit in the front seat of the car. I've tried talking to them individually...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Not being naturally good at conversation, I've learned to look for specific cues that an exchange has been going on too long or that I need to move on. An obvious cue is when someone looks at their watch.

However, many people in my life now wear smartwatches, which alert them if they have a new text or email. Consequently, ...Read more

Dear Annie: I am so jealous of my mother; it is ruining my life. It is all I obsess about. Three years ago, she met a younger man at a supermarket where she worked. He was 40 then, and she was 52. Three years later and they are happily married and she has become the most spoiled woman I know. She was always slim and beautiful but now dresses ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My 25-year-old son lives with his two girlfriends, who are also romantically involved with each other. They share a single bedroom. One of them has a baby due this week, and the other has made noises about wanting a child.

I don't approve of this arrangement and can't see it ending well. I love my son and I have a good relationship ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a 26-year-old woman from Cincinnati. I started a new job a few months ago, and I've developed a crush on one of my co-workers. He's kind and funny, and we get along really well. I look forward to seeing him at work, and I think there might be a spark between us. However, I'm hesitant to make a move because I'm worried about ...Read more