ArcaMax

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been together for nine years (married for seven). I moved into his house with him, and I'm still not on the mortgage. I work full time in the medical field and contribute to all the bills. We did meet with an attorney, and if, God forbid, something happens to him, we have a quitclaim deed, and I wouldn't have to ...Read more

My dog, who emitted her typical deep sigh seconds before the medicine stopped her heart, just didn't understand the fuss around her -- and why she couldn't quite get up to romp around with everyone as she had before.

She was a good dog, but she was not a perfect dog. In the haze of grief that settles around the stark finality of death, there ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have a friend who spent many years in an emotionally abusive relationship that seems similar to what "Sad Grandma" described. What I have seen with my friend's children is that they have learned to treat their mom the same way their father did.

They watched for years as she put his needs and demands first in all of their lives. By...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am very close to my oldest sister's three sons, especially "Lucas," who is 38. He and I have communicated often and have seen each other (we live in different states) over the years. In a way, I have been his confidant. He knows I love him like a son.

Lucas is a professional in a big city and earns excellent money. He's well-liked ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a 30-year-old woman, and my mom recently passed away. Everywhere I look, I am reminded of her, and I don't know how I am going to get through the holiday season without her. My mom brought so much joy to Thanksgiving and Christmas, and she was the heart of our family's celebrations. The thought of facing these holidays ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I appeared in a local theatrical production that was well-received. One of our performances was attended by my closest friend, who brought along his lovely wife and two wonderful children.

After my performance, my friend waited for me with his family to congratulate me and invite me to join them at a nearby ice cream shop. ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've been dating a wonderful woman for almost a year now and have recently noticed some odd behaviors. The one that concerns me the most is the way she's been dressing. Case in point: We were invited to a pool party and barbecue at a friend's house.

When I picked her up, she was dressed as if she were going to a high-powered ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: Fifteen years ago, my partner and I moved to a new community, befriending a neighbor whose initial kindness and generosity impressed us greatly. When the neighbor learned I was unemployed, his influence enabled me to secure a position with his company.

In a professional setting, however, the neighbor revealed a personality that was ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a friend, "Cindy," who frequently brings her pet to every social gathering we have, whether it's a dinner party, a movie night or a casual get-together. While I understand that her pet is important to her, the constant presence of the animal is starting to make some of our gatherings uncomfortable for the rest of us, ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I received a text and pictures from a work friend (who I keep in touch with during my retirement) about her daughter, who had just given birth to a beautiful baby girl.

I was surprised, because my friend had not mentioned anything, and was just preparing my "congratulations" and some happy thoughts on her being a first-time ...Read more

Dear Annie: My 12-year-old son goes over to his friend's house now and then. His friend lives in a small town that is walking distance to ice cream shops, markets and delis. Whenever my son visits, his friend's mom will ask me to send him with cash for lunch or dinner or Venmo her money.

Whenever we have his friends over, we provide the food ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My mother, who is 69, recently moved close to where my wife and I live to be near us as she ages. On the whole, this has been great for all of us. Mom is in good health and still very active. She walks every day and takes care of her house and garden. We see her often.

The problem is, she is very resistant to meeting new people or ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am 19, and I have a close friend and roommate who seeks constant validation and reassurance from me. Whether it's about her clothing choices, personal decisions or even her appearance, she frequently asks for my opinions and needs constant affirmation. I am aware that this is stemming from insecurity, particularly regarding her...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When hosting a cocktail hour, how does the hostess gracefully navigate the quantity of food served? For example, if the cheese platter is reduced to a few bits, should the hostess be constantly monitoring and replenishing as necessary (even if the "hour" is approaching or has passed)?

I certainly don't want to appear stingy ...Read more

Dear Annie: "John," my 40-year-old fiance (only child) has boundary issues with his parents. They come over to his house approximately five days per week. The pretext is that they walk his dog. But here's the thing: John works a cushy job from home. (Walk your own dog!) Here's the other thing: they don't just walk the dog. They load the ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am involved with a man, "Gerald," who is an only child and has a difficult relationship with his mother. We bought his mother's home two years ago because she couldn't afford it on her own. She had separated from her husband, who is not Gerald's father.

Initially, his mother was going to stay with us, but she reunited with her ...Read more