ArcaMax

It was something about the curve of her cheek to her chin in the side-view mirrors. I mentally spoke to her: she could make the left turn through the light; she could trust herself. But I knew that hesitancy. It was hesitance that came from inexperience, but also knowing that the car she commanded wasn't very commanding. I've been her.

Living ...Read more

Dear Annie: I don't have a question for you so much as a comment and suggestion for many of your readers with grown kids who don't visit them. I read your column, and often there is some form of "I'm hurt that my adult children don't call me or visit me." But never in any of them do I see that they've had an open talk with their kids, human to...Read more

DEAR ABBY: When I visit my three grandchildren on Fridays, my daughter-in-law never offers me any refreshment -- not even a glass of water or a cup of tea. She will eat in front of me and not offer me anything. I was taught that this is rude. Should I bring my own refreshment? (If I did, I would feel as though I would need to feed the whole ...Read more

Dear Annie: I am a 21-year-old female, quite independent, happy and full of life. Last year I started dating "Luke," age 26. We hit it off great, and I fell in love. But two months ago, something changed.

Luke recently started a new company. One day, he randomly decided he needed a break from our relationship to focus on his business. He made ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: As someone tasked with interviewing people who have stories that may not be of particular interest to me, I often struggle with connecting to my subjects. How can I possibly be interested in something that I find lacking in any real personal meaning? It can be challenging to craft a thoughtful line of questioning that leads to ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My 6-year-old daughter is a second-year dance student at a noncompetitive dance studio. She had taken ballet her first year, but said this year she wanted to try tap. I was thrilled she wanted to do something new, because I encourage her and my son to try new activities whenever possible.

I was also somewhat saddened that she...Read more

Dear Annie: Over the years, I've reconnected with a high school friend who I've known since grammar school. Each connection throughout the years has been different until this last one where there was an instantaneous spark that truly synchronized us on so many levels, including talks about the near and far future, as well as expressing our ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I have been married for five years, with two children. I have been putting my hands on her in such a bad way that she's saying we are no longer a family and she wants a divorce. I need my wife and children back. It hurts me to stay away.

I'm currently going to church and Sunday school and Bible study. I have been praying ...Read more

Dear Annie: My husband criticizes me all the time. He also says the nastiest, most hurtful things when we argue. I have been called a slut and a troublemaker and threatened about almost everything. I don't believe he feels bad about the way he treats me, and even when I tell him how painful it is, he continues to do it.

We all have made ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: The prospect of starting my new job is a little intimidating. After years in a role with plenty of freedom and lenient management, I feel like I'm about to enter the deep end of a totally new environment. I'm sure there will be rules and regulations that I'll have to follow, and a clear structure of authority. This is a lot ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I recently moved in with my partner, who has had the same cleaning lady for 15 years. I thought she was quite nice and we got on well at first.

Then she started making subtle comments about my level of cleanliness, which I ignored. We are not dirty people, but it just doesn't matter to me or my partner if laundry sits in an ...Read more

Dear Annie: "Still Sad's" story is almost my story. I didn't know I was in an abusive marriage until I got out of it. That means our two children grew up in a home where they saw and heard things that shouldn't have been seen and, essentially, had traumatized childhoods. Materialistically, they had everything. The last thing in the world I ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am a first-generation Mexican American who married into a Caucasian blended family. My husband, my stepdaughter, "Lisa," and her mother and stepfather make up a beautiful unit. I have no children. Although my family initially ruffled at my interracial marriage, they got with the program -- so much so that we invited Lisa to partake ...Read more

Dear Annie: I would like your opinion on something. I am a grandmother of four wonderful grandkids and very proud of the fact. The problem comes when dealing with the other grandmother, especially when others are in the vicinity. I don't know whether it's because I am older than she is or what, but she always addresses me as "Gramma Mary," as in...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My son is in college now, and it's really difficult for me to stop calling or texting him on a daily basis. A friend of mine reminded me that this is his time to begin to exert his independence. If I am too attached to him, he won't have the space to do that. She also pointed out that when we were in college, we didn't have ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: A friend and her husband ran into some issues with their new home, and needed funds in order to fix the problems and make the place livable again. They started an online campaign to raise the money. Based on the amount donated, you would get a "gift" of your choice (her husband is a craftsman and made the items).

I donated a ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have been in a long-term relationship with my significant other for over 10 years. It started out as a long-distance relationship, but he moved in with me about eight years ago. It's been a rocky road, but for the most part, we stuck with it.

My problem is I'm just not sure he is the person I really want or deserve. Money is a ...Read more