ArcaMax

Dear Annie: I'm in quite the pickle and need your guidance. My husband, "Peter," and I have been married for eight years, and while our relationship has always been strong, I've recently found myself in an unexpected situation. About six months ago, my old college friend, "Scott," moved back to town. We were close back then, and catching up ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband of two years was estranged from his children after a nasty divorce. He reconnected with his son "Mack" four years ago and has made every effort to show him he's a good man and is truly sorry for not being there for a time.

The only time my husband gets to spend time with Mack is when he's asked to do a project at Mack's ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been in a committed relationship for over seven years, but recently, my partner's attitude toward my disability has shifted. As someone who uses a wheelchair due to a spinal injury, I've always appreciated my partner's support. However, lately, they've started making decisions for me without consulting me, assuming I can't ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Should a person apologize if they are unaware they did anything wrong? While staying with a friend, my husband stole the covers all night long. When I told him what he'd done the next morning, he said tersely, "I didn't know," but didn't apologize.

When I said I'd apologize if the situation were reversed, he said he didn't ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have been employed at this local government agency for years and have had the pleasure of working closely with "Catie" for the past four years. While we are not in the same department, we have collaborated on numerous projects and have developed a close friendship.

Over the course of our friendship, I have come to care deeply ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm a 70-year-old Black woman who looks about 45 or 50. I recently met a man online while playing dominoes. We have been chatting back and forth for about two weeks now. He is 44, is of German descent and has a 9-year-old son. The problem is, he wants to have a relationship with me.

I have told him I'm 26 years older than he is, my ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've known I was gay since I was a teenager, but I only recently came out to my family and close friends. It was a huge relief to be open about my identity, but now I'm facing a lot of judgment. My family comes from a military background, and they have made it clear that they do not approve of my sexuality. Despite their love for...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband and I were raised not to put more food on our plates than we would eat, and to stay seated during a meal unless we asked to be excused. Our adult daughter's boyfriend was apparently taught differently.

He fills his plate to overflowing, though he is very picky and never finishes his food, and actually takes extra ...Read more

Dear Readers: Wishing you all a very happy Fourth of July. I hope you enjoy the following quotes celebrating independence and freedom.

"We shall go wild with fireworks ... and they will plunge into the sky and shatter the darkness." -- Natsuki Takaya

"Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am raising a granddaughter. We went to visit her aunt and cousin and had a nice day until my granddaughter told her aunt she should let her 5-year-old pick out her own clothes. My daughter became enraged and told me I had to teach my granddaughter to respect adults. I told my daughter I didn't think she should tell me how to raise ...Read more

DEAR SUSAN: I happened to catch your column titled "Workaholism -- Part 1." In my opinion, you nailed it. Women are quickly overtaking men as the workaholic gender, and it's very damaging to their relationships -- in particular, their romantic relationships. I Ieft a five-year relationship with a woman, primarily over disputes about work-life ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've dedicated nearly a decade to the tech industry, diligently working for the same company. Recently, however, I've felt increasingly dissatisfied and unfulfilled in my role. Despite my apprehensions, I gathered the courage to draft a resignation letter. Now, uncertainty clouds my thoughts. What if I struggle to secure another ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: There is a wonderful hostess in my neighborhood who really goes all out in terms of food and ambiance for her guests. She is a mentor to me, inspiring me to host gatherings and reciprocate hospitality.

There is one habit of hers that makes me pause: She tends to announce, to all her guests, just how time-consuming and ...Read more

Dear Annie: Ten years ago, I became a single parent when my ex-husband, who had worked in the World Trade Center on 9/11, became addicted to drugs and alcohol. The love of my life became abusive toward me, threatened our young children and pets, and refused treatment. After a lengthy and expensive court battle, I gained sole custody of our ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My son "Ethan" is a visually impaired adult with disabilities. He's articulate, down to earth and joyful to be around. He's a homeowner in a nice area of town.

A woman we met through the Nextdoor app bought an expensive winter coat from us very cheap. She and her husband know Ethan is in Special Olympics and awaiting a guide dog. She...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am very introverted, and I find it challenging to find my footing when I'm in group settings. I recently moved to a new city and have been trying to build up my social network, but I'm struggling to make genuine connections because of my introversion. When I am one-on-one with a person, I feel more comfortable, but as soon as ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: After several years of dealing with infertility and undergoing various treatments, my husband and I are expecting our first child.

Since many of our family and friends were aware of our struggles to get pregnant, I have received a few invasive questions that I'd prefer to not answer: "So, did you guys do IVF? Donor embryos?" ...Read more