ArcaMax

Dear Annie: Most people have not experienced the loss of a loved one from the COVID-19 virus. However, my father died Friday night after fighting weeks for his life. The situation was agonizing and yet our friends' reactions to it have been a bit surreal. Here are some tips on supporting the bereaved based on what we have experienced:

Please ...Read more

Dear Annie: What do you do about embarrassing memories that pop into your head randomly and make you want to crawl in a hole?

It seems to keep happening to me lately. I'll be washing my hair in the shower, or trying to drift off to sleep at night, when, suddenly, I remember a humiliating event from my past and feel a flush of heat through my ...Read more

Dear Annie: I work with a woman who, for some reason, is absolutely desperate to hoard all the work, all day, every day. "Geri" answers the phone on a half a ring. If something comes out of the fax, then she will run to get it before anyone else can. If you tell her that you're handling something, then she will pretend not to hear you ...Read more

Dear Annie: Why do strange men call women "dear" as they get a little older?

I am in my late 60s but don't consider myself an "old lady." I dress reasonably -- nice jeans/pants and a cute top. My hair is not gray, and I do not look sickly.

Yes, I have a few wrinkles, but I still feel proud of my appearance. I am not these guys' mother, wife ...Read more

Dear Annie: My husband and I have been married for 43 years. I have a good life, or so I thought. I recently found out that he has had an affair. When I asked him about it, he told me that it was only for eight months. And he said the reason was because I would not initiate sex. Ha, that is a two-way street. Anyway, I did some checking and ...Read more

Dear Annie: This is in response to your column concerning people who wanted to notify authorities about their neighbors' children playing together during COVID-19 times. I would say that if they are not invading your space, leave them alone. You have the right to self-isolate and will be protected if you do so.

I think they are worried about ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have been dating this boy for about eight months. We are both in our teens, and we are in love, to say the least. We talked about getting promised, and I was wondering at what age would it be OK to be promised.

I would love to get promised, except for what others would think.

My friend just got engaged to her fiancee at 17, and...Read more

Dear Annie: In July of last year, I saw three psychics, and they all told me that when I started college in September I would meet the love of my life again. I didn't believe them because I have no luck in that department. Well, within a week I ran into my old boyfriend, whom I dated at two different times in my life.

The first time that "...Read more

Dear Annie: I've been chatting with a guy online for a few weeks now -- nothing serious, just light, "getting to know you" conversations, with some flirtation sprinkled in.

Well, today, he decided to randomly mention that I reminded him of another woman he'd been talking to, who he ended up having an "amazing sexual connection" with, though ...Read more

Dear Annie: I started seeing someone recently. "Matthew" is a perfect gentleman in many respects, but he has one habit that I find very rude and jarring: He burps, frequently, and sometimes without even covering his mouth. We sit down to watch a movie together after dinner, and all I can focus on is his constant gurgles next to me on the couch...Read more

Dear Annie: My brother and I own our parents' house, which is the house we grew up in. They put it in our names a while ago with the provision that they be allowed to live there for the rest of their lives. Recently, my brother, his wife and their two children moved in with my parents. They plan to live there for a few years, until their kids ...Read more

Dear Annie: I come from a large family. I was the youngest of four girls, and there were several years between us. Growing up, I barely knew my two older sisters.

One of the sisters remarried someone from a different religion, though they were not practicing. Fast-forward 20-25 years and this same couple drives by our small town 10-20 times ...Read more

Dear Annie: My mom had a stroke a few months ago. My husband and I are building a house, so my brother suggested it would be easier if we stayed with her to help with her rehabilitation. But the biggest problem is that I'm out of my work right now for medical reasons and am not really able to help her. What I have done so far has only made my ...Read more

Dear Annie: There are so many heroes who are all helping us get through the COVID-19 crisis. I want to mention the strength of our college students and the amazing things they are doing in the midst of their difficult lives right now while taking online classes, separated from their college friends and activities. And many have moved away from...Read more

Dear Annie: I have been married to my wonderful wife for 25 years. When we were dating, all my friends were jealous because she was so movie-star beautiful. What they didn't know was how incredible her figure was. We didn't go swimming much, and she always dressed conservatively. I kidded her that I was the only one that knew what a grand ...Read more

Dear Annie: My first cousin died two weeks ago, but not one of her siblings called to tell me or any of my sisters the news. Two of the cousin's siblings have my phone number because I sent them a family Christmas newsletter with my phone number and email in the letter. I finally saw my cousin's obituary on Facebook. I am beyond hurt that the ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've been seeing this guy, "David," on and off for almost a year and a half and we have this long-distance relationship going on. This is my very first relationship, but he's been with a few women in the past. While we can't see each other as often as we'd like, I intend to fix that this fall semester, since I'll be transferring to...Read more

Dear Annie: I am a USPS mail carrier. My husband was sent home six weeks ago, with pay, while I head out every morning to the possibility of contracting COVID-19.

I've been angry and resentful, and scared. It was most acute about two weeks ago, and, after some tears and talks, I've calmed down somewhat. I just keep looking ahead and cannot ...Read more

Dear Annie: I am 81 years old and a longtime reader of your advice column. I thought the message below might be useful to you and your readers somehow. It is certainly authentic. I received it as a link to click on. I couldn't open it, but the sender, who is president of a local seniors group that has been keeping members entertained with all ...Read more

Dear Annie: Because of the pandemic, people have cleared the shelves of many food items, including flour and prepared foods. After those were wiped out, they started buying up gluten-free foods, leaving those with food allergies with limited products to buy.

They don't need that gluten-free flour, but they buy it anyway. My daughter has ...Read more