ArcaMax

Dear Annie: I'd like to hear from people who were children of a mother with Contamination OCD. My daughter's therapist determined it is a pretty severe case, but my daughter refuses to go to the recommended hospital program. Instead, she sees the therapist once a week, which is basically a whack-a-mole approach. One issue gets better and another...Read more

Dear Annie: I am in my mid-30s and have never married or been engaged. I'm feeling frustrated, hopeless and depressed most of the time because of this. Is there really hope? -- Depressed Help-Seeker

Dear Help-Seeker: Of course there's hope. I imagine it can be difficult to see your friends and loved ones hit life milestones you feel quite far...Read more

Dear Annie: I have been married for 32 years to my husband, who has three children from his prior marriage. The children are now in their mid-30s to early 40s.

We were all a big happy family until about four years ago. The middle child called to tell us that we were both bad parents. I asked her to tell us why she felt that way. She said she ...Read more

Dear Annie: As the holiday season approaches, I am facing a dilemma and I wonder if you have any ideas. My husband and I each have adult children from previous relationships, none together. My parents will not host any holiday gatherings at their home. If we want to have a gathering, we must invite them to our house. My husband's parents ...Read more

DEAR READERS: For those of you leery about being alone at mealtime, take heart.

This New York reader climbed the Mount Everest of challenges and lived to tell the tale.

"I'm divorced two years. I moved to a trendy town in north Jersey that has many restaurants and bars. I don't really drink, so I don't do the bar scene alone or with a date. ...Read more

Dear Annie: This is addressed to the many people who have written to you on the subject of being bullied.

Have you noticed that most, if not all, bullies ply their trade to impress their peers? Bullies bully to gain the attention and approval of someone or some group. They usually pick on someone they think won't fight back -- someone they ...Read more

Dear Annie: I had always been told that communication has three major elements: words, tone and body language. Having retired from a technology-driven company, I am keenly aware of misunderstandings between people that can be created beginning with emails and texts.

I remember creating a rule for myself that, if it was an important matter, if...Read more

Dear Annie: My husband and I have children from previous relationships, and we each have two grandsons. We have shared a plot of land on the river with his son and family, and my grandsons would visit from time to time.

My husband's son's wife doesn't like my grandsons. In fact, she once made a comment in front of one of them asking why he ...Read more

Dear Annie: My husband and I were together for nine years. During that time, we were married for 3 1/2 years. He's 76, and I'm 64. When we were first married, I always questioned if he really loved me. I had moved to Florida in part because I felt he lost interest. So, I was shocked when he proposed.

He has been a sober alcoholic for 12 years...Read more

Dear Annie: I have a problem and am earnestly seeking your help.

I am a widow and I have three children. Our family has always been a close one. However, I have encountered a dilemma I never thought I would experience. My daughter is a divorced mother of four grown children. In the past, she always made sure she visited. This has changed in ...Read more