ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: My in-laws' 55th wedding anniversary is coming up soon, but unfortunately, my father-in-law passed away last year, so this will be my mother-in-law's first anniversary without him. It's been a tough year for her. She misses her husband, and their relationship was the foundation of her life. I know this day is going to be ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Am I obliged to dislike people my longtime partner dislikes?

On our daily dog walk in a nearby park, we often encounter a woman with a Doberman pinscher that has been aggressive toward our dog in the past (barking, snapping, pulling on its leash), although it has been behaving better recently. My partner dislikes this woman ...Read more

Dear Annie: I don't know how to act. My husband's nephew is getting married in another state. We heard all the aunts and uncles were invited, but we never received a save the date or an invite.

My sisters-in-law and mother-in-law are aware that we didn't get an invite. A couple brothers-in-law asked if we were attending the wedding -- ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I own a lake cabin and enjoy hosting friends and relatives. Even though I don't have a pet myself, I like animals and don't mind if people ask to bring their dogs, because the ground floor is linoleum that's easy to clean when the inevitable sand and water get tracked in.

Last year, I invited my niece and her husband to spend the ...Read more

Dear Susan: I was widowed in February after being married 35 years. My husband and I married in our 30s, so I do have some experience being single, but now I'm sort of lost. Our marriage was so close we kept our friends at the periphery, which only adds to my problems. Have you some back material I could download or purchase online? Thank you. -...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend and I are professional ballerinas, and we've been dancing together since high school. We've been through so much together -- the long rehearsals, the endless auditions, the excitement of landing roles and the disappointments. Ballet has been a huge part of our lives, and we've always shared that passion.

Recently,...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Our local movie theater offers free refills of popcorn and drinks. My family members insist on getting these refills after every movie to take home with them.

As they get their refills, I stand back and feel embarrassed to be in their party, because I believe the refreshments are meant to be enjoyed during the film. I also ...Read more

Dear Annie: I often read letters from parents and grandparents expressing sadness about not being able to spend holidays with their children or grandchildren, and I'd like to offer a suggestion based on my own experience.

Growing up, my parents divorced when I was young, and holidays were often split between households. However, my mother ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My 18-year-old stepdaughter has decided to date another female. She has dated boys in the past, but that's not the issue. We have nothing against the LGBTQ community. (My husband's brother is gay.) My issue is, should my stepdaughter spend time with her girlfriend in her bedroom with the door closed?

If this were a boy, my husband ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My mom is about to turn 60, which is a huge milestone, and my dad doesn't seem to be planning anything special for her. She's always been the one who goes above and beyond for everyone else in the family, so my siblings and I thought it would be nice for her to have a relaxing spa day. She absolutely loves going to the spa, and ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I got into a spat with the head of social events at an embassy. She is annoyed that I brought my wife as a "plus one" to an embassy event to which I had been invited. It was celebrating a royal birthday.

She insisted that it was a work event -- not one for spouses to attend. I fully accept that for her, it was a work event, ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've had a friend for over 30 years whom I've always helped out. I provided him with work when he needed money, loaned him money, and supported him through his divorce and various other issues over the years. I was always happy to do so and never expected anything in return.

A couple of years ago, he was selling some furniture ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: A year ago, I met a wonderful man on a cruise. We hit it off fabulously, and since we live 1,000 miles apart, we stay in touch primarily by phone -- talking and video chatting. He has come to visit me four times in the past year, and we have taken two trips together. He has met my friends and neighbors and has spoken to my family on ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: When Sean "P. Diddy" Combs was arrested a few weeks ago, the news showed a video of him beating up a woman on a loop, and it disturbed me so much. What happened to that woman was awful, but there was more, and I couldn't figure it out at first. Then I realized that it was triggering for me: When I was younger, my college ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Lately I have noticed an increase in people saying "I appreciate you" instead of "Thank you" or "I appreciate it."

I really don't like it. I hear it fairly often from a co-worker, and I think she is sincere, so I just say "Thank you."

That feels wrong, however. If I just went out of my way to help her, shouldn't she say "...Read more