ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a new mother, and I feel like I can't do anything right. I just had a baby boy, and while I love him more than anything, the adjustment to motherhood has been painful and difficult for me. It seems like no matter how hard I try, I'm always falling short, whether it's soothing my baby when he cries, keeping up with housework ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: For several years, my wife and I have hosted a large, somewhat elaborate holiday open house, complete with a lot of homemade dishes, champagne, activities and accommodations for children. We've often had more than 50 people attend.

It is expensive, and more than a little work, but we enjoy the result. We consider it a gift to...Read more

Dear Annie: I have a very toxic and narcissistic sister-in-law. Despite years of unpleasant family problems caused by her, my husband and his brother (her siblings) feel obligated to stay in contact with her. Now that their parents have passed away, I had hoped we could reduce this contact even further.

The issue has become more pressing as ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have a beautiful soon-to-be 2- year-old daughter. Before her birth, my parents and his all were eagerly awaiting her arrival and discussing their plans for what life as new grandparents would be. We just "knew" they would be involved so much it would drive us crazy. Instead, it's the opposite!

My parents work 40-plus...Read more

At about 4:30 in the afternoon, I started to close the first windows. There was finally a chill in the air that hadn't been there all day. I had earlier stripped off my oversized sweater stolen from my husband as I ran in and out to the trash can. It was a beautiful day that turned overcast, with rays of sun piercing the yellowed leaves that ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've been in a 14-year relationship with a man who never proposed. Early on, it didn't bother me much; we were both divorced with kids, and I'd just ended a 13-year marriage. But over time, his vague promises of "someday" have worn thin. He's lived with me for 11 years, helps with some handiwork around the house and contributes to ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: Six years ago, my family lost my mother, who was the rock of our family. Two weeks after that, my family started falling apart. My older brother, younger sister and I no longer speak. My brother and I got in a physical confrontation and haven't spoken since.

A year later, I suffered a massive heart attack. I was at death's door. My ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: When I got pregnant later than expected, people started asking why it took my husband and me so long to have a baby. Soon, many began offering their opinions, suggesting that we should have more children. I feel overwhelmed by all the comments, especially since they don't understand our situation. It's as if they think they have ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My partner and I went on a short vacation to a city where an old friend of mine lives. I called her months ago, asking to stay with her and her partner for one night, but she said she didn't have room.

I have known this woman for 45 years and have stayed with her at least 20 times in the past. Still, not a problem -- we ...Read more

Dear Annie: I was a high school teacher in an urban area and just retired after a grueling 37-year career under very difficult circumstances. I've been married for 30-plus years and am the father of two daughters who are now in their late 20s.

I've been a good father, husband and provider for my family throughout my life. My relationship with...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm the mother of a 16-year-old girl, "Leia." She has been living with my parents since she was 10 because that's what she and my folks wanted at the time. I didn't want her to, but I allowed it to happen because I was having health issues.

Leia chose to remain there because my parents spoiled her rotten, and they continue to spoil ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a 60-year-old mother of two adult sons, ages 38 and 32. Both of them are completely dependent on my husband and me for financial support. My husband and I have always been relatively well-off, and we never hesitated to provide them with everything they needed and wanted as they grew up. I felt it was a way to show our love ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: We have been invited to the wedding of a very good friend's son. When I went online to RSVP, it said, "Attire: evening cocktail -- slacks, cocktail dresses, jackets, etc."

We never wear that kind of clothing, even to funerals. We always look nice, though! We don't want to spend money on clothing that we will never wear again,...Read more

Dear Annie: Last week, my good friend "Jess" called me at 6 a.m. to ask if I could drive her to an appointment that same morning, even though I had to be at work by 8. This kind of last-minute favor is becoming a pattern. I've been tempted to say no, but she will always guilt me with something like, "You're the only one I can count on!"

I ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I was recently invited for a long weekend at my friend's new home in South Carolina. She has wanted me to come there to visit ever since she purchased it. I offered to come down, but then I sprained my ankle, and it still has not healed.

My friend then told me her daughter and son-in-law will be there with their two young children. ...Read more