ArcaMax

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was taught to tip generously, and I don't mind tipping people who provide direct services: restaurant waitstaff, bellhops, spa workers, hairstylists, nail salon workers, hotel housekeepers, etc. However, I am confused about all the tipping requests I am presented with now.

For example, if I buy a hot chocolate or tea at the...Read more

Dear Annie: I have been married for 15 years. A little over a year ago, I started having an affair with an ex-girlfriend. The affair ended a month ago. It is over and done with.

I am not sure if I should tell my wife about it or just keep it a secret. I feel that if I tell her, nothing good would come from it, other than being truthful. However...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My niece, "Elle," and her husband, "Liam," have been self-employed for 20 years, but due to the economy, Liam decided to go into the workforce. He is now employed at a state job with great pay and benefits for them and their four children.

Our family is elated for him and his family, except Elle. It's unbelievable how determined she ...Read more

I had a meeting with young activists last week. They each had prepared statements and a binder with my name on it, with handwritten tabs for each section. I had at least 10 to 15 years on each of them and had an almost maternal pride watching them. But it wasn't their youth that inspired me; it was the gumption they had to organize. It was the ...Read more

Dear Annie: I work in a small office with only four employees and one supervisor. Two of my colleagues and I are coffee drinkers. Instead of starting a coffee fund, we started taking turns bringing in a fresh container when we find the previous one is running low. This system has worked for us and has prevented any issues from arising.

What we ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am a gay man who matched with another guy on a dating site two years ago this month. At first, we texted constantly. No one has ever made me feel the way he made me feel through texting alone. He displayed qualities that set him apart from anyone else I have talked to. We made a date, but he canceled at the last minute because of ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I need some advice regarding a recent incident that occurred during a play date at the park with a close mom friend of mine. Three days ago, our 5-year-old children were playing together when, unfortunately, my friend's child hit mine, leaving a noticeable red mark on my child's face. He cried for 10 minutes straight, and my ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: At a restaurant, I was attempting to enjoy a meal with friends while taking in the beautiful ocean view. When I glanced to my right, I saw that the guy at the table next to us was wearing low-hanging shorts that revealed his butt. He was a young guy and appeared to be with family.

Restaurants don't seem to have dress codes or...Read more

Dear Annie: I have a friend, "Donna," who lives in another state. We've been friends for three years. Due to past trauma of being cheated on, I have trust issues, not just in relationships but friendships as well. I've damaged and even lost a few friends because of these issues.

Donna is an introvert and doesn't want to talk all the time. I'm...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I have dated for seven months. We have a good relationship in terms of compatibility. We are both Christian and educated, and we have good professions. We are fun-loving and both of us like to invest and travel. He enjoys my company and says I am the girl with the best qualities he's ever dated.

But I do have one ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm a mother to 12-year-old twin daughters. While they share the same birthday and many similarities, their personalities couldn't be more different. One of my daughters seems to be a mirror image of myself when I was her age. We share the same interests, hobbies and even mannerisms; as a result, we have a strong and natural ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have returned to my childhood home to be with my beloved mother, whose days are numbered. What I have never told her is that she has a grandson -- I fathered a boy six years ago. She knows nothing of the child or its mother, who is not in my life anymore.

As my mother is very frail and at times confused, do you feel it ...Read more

Dear Annie: I am a school secretary. Parents often call in with issues regarding their children. Some are very personal including health, family issues, abuse, neglect, behavior, etc. Many parents go into FULL detail as to what is happening. In these circumstances, I am not the person who can assist them. Instead, I refer them to a counselor, ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My oldest daughter, "Kate," is 22. Her baby is now 6 months old. She is the first grandchild and great-grandchild. Kate refuses to allow my mom to hold her baby. My mom has held the baby a couple of times, but my daughter immediately swooped in and took the baby from her. During the last family gathering, Kate wouldn't let me hold the...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm seeking guidance on how to handle a challenging situation with a close friend. Lately, I've noticed that my friend has become consistently negative and draining to be around. It feels like every conversation turns into a litany of complaints or pessimistic outlooks on life. I understand that right now the world is unforgiving...Read more