ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: My sister just announced she is having twins. Growing up, I was always close to my siblings, although we are all different ages. There have been times when they were there when I needed them and vice versa. As we approach parenthood age, I want to ensure that love is passed down to our younger generations. I plan on being as ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My wife and I are at the age where we are receiving invitations for our friends' children's weddings and graduation parties.

I am looking at a high school graduation party invitation that states: "Formal Sunset White Attire." We received wedding invitations that stated "Semi-Formal Cowboy Chic" and another requesting "all ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have a friend I have known for years, and our sons have grown up playing lacrosse together. On the surface, we are both supportive sports moms who cheer from the sidelines, pack the snacks and talk about practices, tournaments and college hopes. But underneath it all, I have started to feel something painful that I can no longer ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have been married to my husband for 10 years. We live in a house he already owned before I moved in with him. He wants to make renovations to the house to increase its value. He says the house will go to his four children (all adults) when he passes.

My issue is, he's asking me to pay for half of the renovations. To date, I have ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: A former colleague recently asked me to serve as a reference as they apply for new jobs, and IÕm feeling conflicted. We worked together for a couple of years, and while they were friendly, I often found their work to be inconsistent. There were missed deadlines, a lack of follow-through and moments where they didnÕt handle ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My daughter and I have a disagreement regarding graduation invitations. She has stated that sending an invitation means you are expecting a gift, so therefore it is acceptable not to send the invitation.

I believe it is an opportunity to celebrate a major milestone in the life of the graduate with family and friends. I do not...Read more

Dear Annie: My husband and I have lived in our modest home for many years in a quiet, beautiful neighborhood where the houses have always felt gracious and in scale with one another. We are not extravagant people, and our little house has never been the biggest or fanciest on the block, but it has always been our sanctuary. We worked hard for ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have a friend I have known for a very long time. We bonded 10 years ago over common interests and mutual friends. Over the years, they have suffered from anxiety, depression and OCD. In addition, they are also narcissistic, but it had never been a problem before.

I have spent many a day and night on the phone with them for hours, ...Read more

When I first met my husband, he ran through the standard get-to-know-you questions, one of which was, did I like to bike? As he was, and still is, very handsome, the answer was a swift, "Of course!"

I lied.

It's not that I was anti-bike or didn't know how to ride; I just wasn't an avid cyclist, which is what he sounded like at the time. That ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have a teenager who is bright, funny and, in many ways, a good kid. They do well in school, have friends and can be thoughtful when it counts. But when it comes to life at home, it is as if none of it registers.

I feel like I am constantly scanning the house, noticing what needs to be done -- the overflowing trash, the empty ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a senior in college, and I'm graduating soon. The last few years have been difficult in terms of figuring out who I am. The major I chose is not necessarily something that connects to me. I chose a field in STEM because I thought it would bring stability, but I am a creative person through and through. My lack of passion for...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have some friends who frequently announce to me how much money they are saving by shopping at discount stores, buying off-brand items and buying all of their clothing, including shoes, at secondhand and thrift stores.

I am not wealthy, but I am a professional who works hard. I do not shop at these stores because whenever I ...Read more

Dear Annie: "Ashton," a popular boy from my child's elementary school class, moved away in the middle of last year. A couple of months later, his mom let me know they would be visiting. She asked if I would organize some of Ashton's classmates for a get-together, and I agreed.

I sent out invitations to meet at a park for two hours to play, ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am a 38-year-old woman with no kids, a loving partner and puppy. I run a business my dad originally built. I'm at a high point in my life despite the tragedy of losing my mom. I realize my friendships are important going forward in life.

One woman I've known since childhood posts harsh, opinionated political things on her social ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter came home from school the other day after getting into a fight with two other students. I was livid! I set up a meeting with the administration and the parents of the two other girls immediately. Apparently, my daughter has been bullied for nearly a year at her middle school. I can't believe I hadn't noticed anything ...Read more