ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I got married to my husband about seven months ago after dating him for five years, and while I expected some adjustments in our relationship, I've been feeling a significant shift lately. It seems like my husband is pulling away, and it's leaving me feeling confused and insecure. Before we got married, we were so connected and ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: A 30-year friendship with my neighbor was threatened when he sent my wife an overt text message expressing his feelings for her. She was flabbergasted, and responded by simply stating, "I love my husband." He then texted back "I'm sorry."

Now a week has passed, and he has not apologized to either of us in person or provided ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've always disliked house parties. During the first ones I'd been invited to, I had to leave early due to the loud music, vulgar dancing and drunk classmates -- an environment that would only make me feel anxious, disgusted and sick.

I thought this feeling would wear off and I'd eventually be able to integrate and have fun just ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend is 18 years younger than I am. Our relationship hasn't been perfect, but I love him to death. Unfortunately, I'm going through menopause and have all the side effects. Long story short, he found another girl. It was just supposed to be for sex, and he told me he wouldn't get into another relationship or marry anyone but ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: Is it considered inappropriate or unreasonable if I request money back that my boyfriend borrowed? I know that there is a fine line between borrowing and giving, especially in a relationship. My boyfriend bought a car but then faced a layoff due to low profits at his workplace. Over a period of four months, I covered his car ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: During a casual conversation with a co-worker in the break room, another colleague entered in a hurry. We often share friendly banter about a sports team, and a significant event had occurred with the team the night before.

Wanting to make a quick comment to the second co-worker, I excused myself from the first. However, what...Read more

Dear Annie: I am a 45-year-old man, and I was married for 17 years to my lovely wife until her untimely death a year ago. My wife and I have three children, one of whom is from her previous relationship. I love her so much, and when she passed, I was heartbroken and severely depressed.

Recently, an old girlfriend from my teenage years reached ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have been divorced for nine years. Before that I was a stay-at-home mom raising four children. I had an in-home business, and most of the money went to our family's needs.

My husband became an alcoholic 20 years into our 28-year marriage. After we divorced, my two adult daughters abandoned me because I receive spousal support from ...Read more

The days are waning when women make financial clout the main prerequisite for serious interest in a man. No longer economically second-class (if not financially whole, at least with more earning potential and hope than ever), women are asking something different from men. They're insisting that their love object recognize and actively nurture ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My cousin "Sheila" agreed to split the rent with me when she moved into my apartment, with me covering the entire deposit. Our apartment has two rooms, one for my fiance and me, and the other for Sheila and her boyfriend. I am a person with a physical disability and constant need of a wheelchair, so the limited space in the ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have been mortified, twice, by close friends while talking on the phone. They each told a story about another friend who repeatedly annoys them with a certain behavior. It was only later that I realized they were talking about me!

What does Miss Manners think of this way of criticizing a friend?

GENTLE READER: That your ...Read more

Dear Annie: We have neighbors who reside in a cul-de-sac that is at the rear of our property. Our property is located on a U-shaped half-mile neighborhood, which is ideal for walking. Over time, these neighbors have chosen to repeatedly cut through our property on an almost daily basis to facilitate their walking routine. It's gotten to the ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I live in a lovely older neighborhood and have enjoyed wonderful neighbors over many years. The homes are close together with windows often left open in spring, summer and fall, as large shade trees keep our homes cool.

A couple of years ago, our longtime next-door neighbors moved, and a new neighbor, a single woman, ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I landed an internship at my local city hall within the legislative sector, thanks to a recommendation from a friend who is employed there. This friend's mother shares a personal connection with one of the councilors, which is how my friend got the job.

I am interested in this job and its scope, so I naturally excel in the role....Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: We have a relative whom we always invite when we host dinner parties, whether it's for a holiday or just for fun. She always replies that she'd be happy to attend.

My issue is that she doesn't eat our meals. She will place small amounts of food on her plate and maybe eat half of it. Her excuse is always that she's just not ...Read more