Life Advice
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Millennial Life: The Kids Are Not All Right ... but They Might Be Right
You know that line from "The Avengers," where Bruce Banner turns to Captain America and says, "That's my secret, Cap: I'm always angry"? I've been thinking about that a lot lately. Because I think that's where the youth are now. And as a middle-aged youth, that's where I still am, too.
After a youth shooting, our city is about to have a series ...Read more

Asking Eric: Now wealthier than her ex, woman debates paying more than her share of tuition
Dear Eric: My ex-husband and I were on fairly even financial footing when we divorced. Our incomes were similar, and we split the assets almost down the middle. He was a lazy, selfish, philandering husband, but he's a decent dad. Losing that 200 pounds of deadweight has freed me up to focus on advancing my career. My income has doubled, while ...Read more
Disabled Veteran Feeling Failed and Forgotten
Dear Annie: I'm a 100% disabled veteran living in Alaska, and I feel completely defeated. For the last two years, I've tried to hold state agencies accountable for serious mishandling of my case -- including falsified documents, broken agreements and using my disability against me. Despite filing formal complaints and following every process, ...Read more
Father Makes It His Job To Find Daughter A Husband
DEAR ABBY: I recently turned 30, and I find myself in kind of a "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" situation, specifically the scene where Toula's father has invited several Greek men to dinner to try to persuade her to marry one of them. I told my father I am not interested in dating, but he and his boss keep telling me about single Romanian men in ...Read more

Asking Eric: Son’s older, long-distance relationship raises alarm bells
Dear Eric: My 22-year-old son has met a 36-year-old woman in Brazil on the internet. He has fallen for her and is planning to go there this summer for at least three months.
My husband and I are very worried. He doesn’t speak the language, although he is learning it. He hasn’t traveled by himself before and there are advisories for ...Read more
Friend's Shady Business Sours Relationship
DEAR HARRIETTE: I think one of my friends might be working for a pyramid scheme. I can't be sure, but he basically plays the role of a financial adviser and "helps" people invest their money. When they turn a profit, he gets a percentage. The more they invest, the more he gets paid. He offered me his services recently -- encouraging me, really ...Read more
This Is Why You Drive Separately
DEAR MISS MANNERS: My husband got a new job, and as a way to get to know his new co-workers, we decided to host a holiday party at our house. We invited the people he works closest with, his immediate boss, and everyone's spouses. It was about 10 people in all.
I am not used to being a hostess, but put a great deal of effort, time and money ...Read more
I Have an Old Flame I Can't Put Out
Dear Annie: I'm writing in response to "Grieving and Not Prepared for a Confrontation" whose husband died before he could recoup a sum of money he lent to his brother; now, she needs that money and is looking to collect. Your wishy-washy advice to this widow on how to approach her brother-in-law Simon was like advising her to take a water pistol...Read more
Relationship Shares Distinct Similarity With The Last One
DEAR ABBY: I've been divorced for 13 years and have been dating "Paul" for the last five years. Paul is kind, helps with things around the house and loves my friends and family. We share many common interests and enjoy being together. We are now considering moving to the next step: marriage. We already live together.
The problem is that Paul is...Read more

Column: Creating community, one bowl of soup at a time
FERGUS FALLS, Minn. -- When Rita Nau moved to Fergus Falls during the pandemic, she didn’t know a soul.
It can be hard to make friends in America, and greater Minnesota is no exception. But Nau has found ways. In January, the former restaurateur began baking bread and making soup for neighbors, friends and friends of friends — really, ...Read more

Asking Eric: With no work to do, husband stops engaging in life
Dear Eric: I am a 75-year-old professional woman married to a great 74-year-old Ph.D. who works in Pharma and has no desire to retire. We have a very good marriage, but I am struggling with resentment and negativity due to hubby's work situation. We both work from home. His workload has been nonexistent for three and a half months.
His boss ...Read more
Theater-Goer Expected More After Accident
DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently went to see a musical that I had been looking forward to for months. The theater was packed, and the performance was absolutely amazing. About halfway through the show, though, I realized I needed to use the restroom. I tried to hold it until intermission, but eventually I just couldn't wait any longer. Since the ...Read more
Oh Where, Oh Where Can My Little Purse Go?
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is it acceptable to place a small evening clutch on the table while dining out?
Often, the restaurant chairs have open backs, so if I place the clutch behind me, it falls to the floor. (In the worst cases, it spills its contents, too.) If I place it in my lap under my napkin, if frequently slides to the floor, because my ...Read more
My Best Friend Makes Me Feel Like Second Choice
Dear Annie: When our sons married and left home, my husband and I decided to make sure our sons and their families would never have to choose who to visit on any holiday. We also wanted to make sure that we got to see all of our extended family members during the holidays. So, we announced that we would always have our holiday get togethers at ...Read more
Man Has No Shame In Comparing Wife's Attractiveness
DEAR ABBY: I've been with my husband for 19 years, and we have established a loving, stable relationship despite some very tumultuous times. I have always known he finds me attractive, and he compliments my appearance, but many times throughout our marriage, his demeanor toward me has changed if someone more attractive is around. (He repeatedly ...Read more

Asking Eric: Facing mortality, woman unsure whether it’s unfair to get a cat
Dear Eric: I'm a 78-year-old widow, who has been without a cat for one year now; first time in my life. Is it fair to adopt a cat if I most likely only have one and a half to two and a half more years to live? I do travel as well. I do not have any family, so who would get the cat remains unknown. Maybe back to the adoption group? Is this fair ...Read more
Parent Weighs Summer Abroad For Daughter
DEAR HARRIETTE: Our daughter wants to go away for a study-abroad program this summer. She is in high school, and her only real experience being away from home is the occasional sleepover and sometimes spending a week with her grandparents. Yes, my husband and I are very protective of her. Plus, she hasn't expressed interest in summer camp or ...Read more
Ask Not For Whom The Car Honks
DEAR MISS MANNERS: There are many examples of technology and bad behavior merging, and I ask for your opinion regarding one that bothers me: people locking their vehicles by pressing the key fob twice, which causes the vehicle to omit a loud chirp.
All one has to do to lock a car is push the button inside the door, or at most, push the fob once...Read more
Boyfriend's Secret Friendship Has Me Wondering
Dear Annie: I've been seeing this guy since early December. He's perfect in every way, except he seems to be attached to this one woman, "Suzy," who he became good friends with due to unfortunate pasts connecting the two of them. Since the very beginning, he has always been honest with me about his platonic relationship with Suzy.
While I have ...Read more
Wife Tired Of Sober Spouse's Crankiness When She Has A Drink
DEAR ABBY: I've been married to "Chuck" for 40 years. We've had a fairly decent life together, even though Chuck drank heavily for 35 of those years. Now, as we enter our twilight years, he has experienced various medical problems, which have prompted him to stop drinking altogether. Although this is a good thing, I still would like to have a ...Read more