ArcaMax

Dear Annie: I'm 23 years old and had been dating my first girlfriend, "Sara," also 23, for almost two years before we broke up just a few weeks ago. Over time, I'd noticed several inconsistencies in her stories, which my family also picked up on. For example, she claimed she was punched and knocked down at a store but showed no bruises or ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have read the letters from the grandmothers who are feeling left out. I am in the same situation. My mother always told me that when your son marries, he will be more connected with the wife's family. I have found that it is true. They have not forgotten us. We get our share of holidays and are acknowledged on birthdays, ...Read more

Dear Annie: A relationship I had for two and a half years has recently ended. I met a woman, "Marie," through mutual friends, and we quickly became best friends, eventually turning romantic. She was the first woman I ever dated, and while our relationship had its ups and downs, the challenges were unique. She had rare health problems and a ...Read more

Dear Annie: How do you know when it's time to let go of a marriage?

Twenty-eight years ago, I had an affair. We managed to work through the turmoil, and we've had some good years since. But lately, we're just coasting through life, merely existing.

Not long after the affair, he started drinking. To this day, he still blames his behavior on ...Read more

Dear Annie: It's been two years since my husband passed, and at first, my friends were wonderful -- calling, visiting and sending cards. But now that I'm ready to get out again, something strange has happened: I'm rarely included anymore. My husband and I used to be invited to dinners, so why am I left out now? What's the difference between ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've reconnected with a high school friend, and it's been fun catching up. However, she constantly talks about the past, and I'd rather focus on the present. How can I gently shift our conversations to more current topics without making her feel like I'm dismissing our shared memories? -- Ready for the Now

Dear Ready: It's quite ...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm a 50-plus married empty nester with a full-time job and three dogs. Life is still busy for us.

My mom, stepfather and younger half-brother live in another state. My father died when I was young, and my mother remarried and had my brother. At 17, I moved out and have been mostly out of sight, out of mind to my family. Although ...Read more

Dear Annie: I don't know how to act. My husband's nephew is getting married in another state. We heard all the aunts and uncles were invited, but we never received a save the date or an invite.

My sisters-in-law and mother-in-law are aware that we didn't get an invite. A couple brothers-in-law asked if we were attending the wedding -- ...Read more

Dear Annie: I often read letters from parents and grandparents expressing sadness about not being able to spend holidays with their children or grandchildren, and I'd like to offer a suggestion based on my own experience.

Growing up, my parents divorced when I was young, and holidays were often split between households. However, my mother ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've had a friend for over 30 years whom I've always helped out. I provided him with work when he needed money, loaned him money, and supported him through his divorce and various other issues over the years. I was always happy to do so and never expected anything in return.

A couple of years ago, he was selling some furniture ...Read more

Dear Annie: I tend not to tell people when they hurt my feelings because it feels rude to correct others' choices. This is especially true when it comes to social invitations. A few weeks ago, I had lunch with someone I consider a very close friend. We see each other a few times a month and have even traveled together. During lunch, they were ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've been in a relationship for almost four years now, and while things with my partner are great, I've been feeling increasingly frustrated by how his family treats me -- specifically when it comes to birthdays. His family has this tradition where they celebrate every member's birthday with gifts, cards and a special ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have had a few health issues recently. During tests, my doctor incidentally found a mass on my spleen. I asked my husband not to tell anyone, except our kids who are 24 and 33.

I found out he told the neighbor down the street. I am upset. I haven't said anything yet to the rest of my family or friends. He argued (yes, argued) ...Read more

Dear Annie: I read your postings in our local newspaper every day, and I've noticed that you often tell people to seek help from a professional counselor before making big decisions.

I agree this is an important step, but I've found that counselors and psychologists are so busy that they either aren't taking new clients or they only want to ...Read more

Dear Annie: I am struggling with conflicting feelings over feeling disrespected by family members. I was not especially close to my sister, but we did see each other occasionally and text/talk on social media.

My stepdaughter was attacked and bitten by my sister's dog a couple of years ago. My stepdaughter's biological mother chose to sue my ...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm sitting here contemplating my life. I'm 65, ill and live alone with my little dog. Fifteen years ago, my only daughter asked for space while completing her master's thesis. I gave her space, but since then, I've only seen her about five times. I've begged her to talk to me and asked for her forgiveness, but nothing has changed....Read more

Dear Annie: I really don't like having my picture taken because I don't feel photogenic. I've asked my husband multiple times not to post any photos of me on his social media without my permission. However, every now and then, he disregards my feelings and posts them anyway. Each time, I remind him of how I feel and ask him to respect my ...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm struggling with a painful situation involving my sister. About a year ago, she abruptly stopped speaking to me, and there was no discussion or clear explanation about why this happened. Since then, she has kept her distance not just from me but also from our entire family. She's excluded us from all major family gatherings, ...Read more

Dear Annie: I proudly served in the military for nearly 40 years, and during that time, I experienced a wide range of challenges and rewards. Now, in civilian life, whenever people find out about my service, their immediate response is often, "Thank you for your service." While I deeply appreciate the sentiment, I find myself unsure of how to ...Read more

Dear Annie: I am writing to you basically needing advice on a matter of snobbery and arrogance.

This in regard to one of my relatives. They say money changes people, and in this case, I think it has.

I'm now past 70 years of age. I have a male first cousin near my age. We grew up in the same Midwestern town only a few miles apart. Let's call...Read more