ArcaMax

DEAR MISS MANNERS: A group of six longtime friends planned a get-together at my house including snacks and games. One friend showed up very clearly ill, with a red, runny nose and a pack of tissues, saying, "It's just a cold! I feel fine."

Maybe I should have been more sympathetic, but I instead mentioned that I didn't want to get sick because ...Read more

Dear Annie: My husband and I recently went on an eight-day cruise to Iceland with two close friends. We have been friends for more than 40 years and have traveled together many times. Two days before we were to leave, I tested positive for Covid. I went to urgent care, and the doctor told me I could still go on the trip. I began Paxlovid and ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm in an eight-month relationship with a man who is a sexy good dancer. (I'm also a good dancer.) My dilemma is, he attracts a lot of female attention on the dance floor, and sometimes women aggressively come up and dance next to us, vying for his attention (which we usually ignore). Most of the time, I pay them no attention, but it ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently adopted a dog, and while I'm excited to have a new companion, I'm realizing it's a lot more responsibility than I anticipated. My schedule is hectic, and I'm struggling to find enough time for walks, training and giving him the attention he needs. On top of that, my dog has started chewing on furniture, getting into ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was at a coffeehouse in my neighborhood on a Saturday morning when my congressional representative took a seat two tables over. I had seen him there before, but refrained from approaching him or speaking with him.

I could tell from his informal clothing that he was trying to fit in and not be noticed. But because he took a ...Read more

Dear Annie: My spouse and I have longtime friends who visit from out of town several times a year. We've kept up this tradition for many years, and in return we also visit them. At first, these visits were enjoyable, but lately they've become a source of stress.

It began with small comments -- they said the guest bed wasn't comfortable and ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have a persecution complex. I know where it comes from. My mother repeatedly told me how ugly I was as a child. Recently, I was going through some rough times. My sister, who I was in charge of, had a massive stroke and subsequently died. I'd had to take care of her, and I resented it. When she had the stroke, I began reminiscing, ...Read more

There's a word we should live again. I would like to be whelmed and not overwhelmed. Not underwhelmed and just whelmed. It's the state of being fully present in the flood of life, not drowning in it but not standing on dry land either.

That's where I want to live most days, especially on days with one-on-one meetings, but from flow to overflow ...Read more

Dear Readers: Below are some of my favorite quotes about fall and the changing of seasons. I hope you enjoy their words as much as I do.

Ralph Waldo Emerson reminded us, "Each moment of the year has its own beauty." He also believed, "Nature always wears the colors of the spirit."

Henry David Thoreau urged us, "Live in each season as it ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My father, who is retired, has always had a big heart and almost no regard for himself. Anytime he meets someone in a tough situation, he does whatever he can to make it easier, giving freely of his time and resources without asking for repayment. This was a big problem when my parents were married because he kept giving away the ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: About a month ago, I reconnected with an old friend from college. I was visiting his city, and we bumped into each other and have been talking ever since. He made plans to come visit me and will be here next week. I've never dated long-distance before, so being able to go out and do things together is ideal, but he didn't consult...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a dear friend who, every time I see her, insists on greeting me with a kiss on the lips. When I attempt to turn the other cheek (pun intended), she firmly redirects me back into position.

I am at a loss for how to address it. The only silver lining of masking up was that it provided a natural barrier, one she ...Read more

Dear Annie: I wonder if you could shed some light on something that's been bothering me.

I have five girlfriends I've been close with for many years. I keep their secrets, I don't talk behind their backs, and I've always treated them with respect. As we've gotten older and more serious about our lives, we each began moving out on our own, ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I was with the same man for 36 years, but I divorced him three years ago because of his gambling problems. We came to this country 27 years ago, and ever since then I have been working and providing for us. He never paid any bills. He was very controlling and pretty much did whatever he pleased. I guess I was so busy trying to make a ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently have become friends with a group of older women. We get along great and have had some wonderful conversations and enjoyable times hanging out together. The thing is, they have way more time on their hands than I do. They are either fully retired or semi-retired. They have no problem spending a leisurely afternoon ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: A graduate from a Seven Sisters college, who is the child of a doctor and a lawyer, sends out announcements with a link to her wish list for classroom items.

Is this a subtle request for gifts for herself, or truly a wish to stock her classroom?

GENTLE READER: Well ... Are the requests for construction paper and colored ...Read more