ArcaMax

Dear Readers: Many of you were touched by the husband "Anonymous," who wrote a letter about the loss of his wife to the disease of alcoholism. She is still alive, but the woman he married was a different person than the one who is an alcoholic. Most recommended Al-Anon, a spin-off from Alcoholics Anonymous that focuses on helping people who are ...Read more

Dear Annie: I want to thank you for your response to the man who wrote to you concerning getting closure with the father who had abused him. It was quite helpful to me, as my situation is similar. I struggle daily with guilt at not being able to have a relationship with my parents. My mother was quite abusive to me, and my father did nothing to ...Read more

Dear Annie: Recently, during a visit from my 50-year-old son, I was bullied, threatened, taunted and treated cruelly by him. I don't know why. I responded indignantly while my husband said nothing. His behavior was unlike anything I had ever experienced, although I have seen him bully others many times.

I have heard no words of regret from him ...Read more

Dear Annie: One of my good female friends graduated from a rival college of mine. We love talking smack about who has a better football team. When her school loses games, I gloat. One time this year, I said her school had zero chance of winning against my school. I did this level of trash-talking for two months, practically daily.

She said ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have been with a man off and on for seven years. He is my best friend, and I can't live without him. A few years ago, he stole my stimulus check of $1,200, and he brought other women home, claiming he was only doing business with them.

He doesn't have a job. I'm paying all the bills by myself, and I'm struggling. I have my own ...Read more

Dear Annie: I moved to Florida from Oklahoma to be near my son and sister after my husband passed away from cancer. It did not work out with my son, so I moved to a place near my sister -- a small, one-bedroom mobile home in an RV retirement park for seniors over 65.

Hurricane Ian destroyed my home, and I have been unable to find a new place ...Read more

Dear Annie: Kids today are pushed too early to make career decisions. The first two years of college are a good time to take different courses to see where one's interest lies. A major can easily be declared as a junior, and ample credits can be accumulated in that discipline in the last couple of years.

I took a career test in school that ...Read more

Dear Annie: I am a 19-year-old woman who can't stop thinking about this guy, "Charles." He has been picked on for his appearance, but I think he has pretty eyes and nice hands, plus a knack for singing. But then I found out recently that he is bigoted and has texted other girls, even when he has a girlfriend. Still, he's always on my mind, ...Read more

Dear Annie: My grandson, "Billie" is 5 years old and still not potty trained. We have tried everything to get him to use the toilet -- rewards, bribes, "gentle threats," etc. We suspect he has encopresis -- the repeated, involuntary passing of stool into the clothing. This can happen when impacted stool collects in the colon and rectum, while ...Read more

Dear Readers: Wishing you all a very happy new year. I hope it is filled with lots of joy and love. Below are some quotes that I put together in hopes that they inspire you to live your best life. With an open mind, an open heart and a sense of wonder, each year is a new beginning to start fresh. Remind yourself that the best is yet to come.

...Read more

Dear Annie: Well, here we are. It is that special time of year: The holiday season is nearly through and New Year's is once again upon us. I got to thinking about how much I am thankful for. Hopefully, you will allow me to share a special message with your readers.

First, I thank the Creator for allowing me to be here for 82 years and ...Read more

Dear Annie: I worked part time for good friends now over 20 years ago. The wife was in charge of the medical office; her husband was a doctor whom my husband and I had known way before she met and married him. Two other ladies worked in the office full time also and had been there years before me. After working part time for over four years, ...Read more

Dear Annie: I was married for 17 years to a woman who I thought would be my only wife. Toward the end, I tried to move our family out of state, away from all the things that were causing the issues (including her cheating), knowing full well I would be moving to a place completely away from my family, as well as hers.

Six weeks after the move...Read more

Dear Annie: I could've written the letter from "Divorce Ambivalent" many, many years ago when our three children were young. My husband was busy with his career, and he loved sports. He was a good father but often did what he wanted to do on weekends.

He did help with the children (diapers, bathing, feeding, etc.), and he was a good husband, ...Read more

Dear Annie: My daughter and son-in-law moved from Pennsylvania, where I live, to North Carolina to be close to his family. They moved without giving me any real notice. My daughter had mentioned they might be moving, but I did not find out for sure until the day before they moved.

That was eight years ago. Because I am poor and a widow, I ...Read more

Dear Annie: I need a little advice. My oldest son, age 42, and my youngest, 32, had a disagreement three years ago and still aren't talking to each other. What is especially heartbreaking is they have the most in common with each other out of all my children -- a total of four.

The oldest son, "Bradley," is bipolar, and he did not start ...Read more

Dear Readers: Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas.

"Christmas Bells" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1863

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

...Read more

Dear Annie: You were kind enough to publish my article last year about parents who are grieving the loss of a child during the holidays. Would you be kind enough to republish what I've updated?

Since this time last year, more children have died from an overdose. I am heartbroken about what all these parents are going through. I have spent ...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm writing to you because I need advice on my relationship with my older sister. I'm in my 50s, and she's eight years older. She and her husband have no children. My husband and I have a son and daughter, both young adults. Our parents and brother have all passed, so it's just the two of us now in our immediate family.

My dilemma...Read more

Dear Readers: A number of you wrote in response to "Weary at Heart," whose sister was molested by her stepfather, and offered your perspectives and advice. Here are a few of my favorite letters offering valuable insights.

Dear Annie: This is in response to "Weary at Heart." As someone who was in a situation horribly similar to your sister's, ...Read more