ArcaMax

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

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a person of a certain age. I enjoy the company of other people, but I move quite slowly. I gladly receive guests for afternoon tea, as my housekeeper is amenable to serving.

Occasionally I wish to entertain a small group at a fine restaurant for the evening. Since I am making the invitation, I require nothing from my ...Read more

Dear Annie: I work in a small office where everyone is friendly, but one co-worker has taken "friendly" to a new level. Over the past year, she's begun confiding in me about deeply personal issues: her marriage troubles, financial stress, arguments she's had the night before. At first, I listened out of kindness. But it's becoming a daily ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been separated for 15 years. Our two grown children are on the spectrum. For the past two years, our daughter has lived with her father because she wouldn't agree to be part of the team at my home and abide by the basic rules: Pick up after yourself, take your animal out, flush the toilet, etc.

Now Dad has a ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: Being an aunt is such a precious role. I love all my nieces and nephews as if they're my own children, and it feels as though my siblings are raising all our children as a "village."

Sometimes my niece confides in me with things that she doesn't want to share with her parents. I appreciate that I can be a voice of reason for her...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Where should I park my shopping cart while browsing a grocery section and/or reading ingredient labels?

I park my cart in the middle of the aisle, thereby allowing other shoppers to view the same items. This also lets me step out of the way to allow passersby through. I feel that other shoppers feel hurried when I wait for ...Read more

Dear Annie: I was really excited when I landed my dream job a few months ago. It has great pay and a title that can really take me places. But now, just a few months in, I'm pulling my hair out. We're in our "busy season," which means lots of late nights and working weekends. Every time I finish one assignment, two more pop up. My problem isn'...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My partner recently allowed a friend to stay in our home without telling me in advance. My partner knows unannounced guests deeply affect my mental well-being and sense of safety. We had agreed I would be given at least two weeks' notice for any visitors. That did not happen because the guest was going through a difficult time.

While...Read more

Opening your mouth isn't only for feeding; it's also for complaining. But let's face it: Most women don't have much experience expressing negative opinions. Our function as the calmer of troubled waters is so deeply ingrained that it's almost a genetic trait. We've been conditioned to skirt around confrontation and head-on collisions in any form...Read more

Dear Annie: I am a woman in my early 40s, living several states away from the town where I grew up. My relationship with my parents has always been complicated, especially with my mother, and for the last 25 years I have also been estranged from my older sister. She still lives near my parents, while I built my life far away.

The issue comes ...Read more