ArcaMax

DEAR ABBY: My son and his fiancee are getting married in a few months. They are planning a small reception with only their closest friends and family. Unfortunately, this excludes my late father's second wife, "Bonnie," who has been in our lives for nearly 40 years. My son has no particular problem with Bonnie, but she has struggled with mental ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am living with my mom again for the first time in a long time. I am back in my hometown, and as I plan for what's next, living with her seemed like the best idea. Boy, oh boy, was I wrong. Aside from occasional three-week-long visits during holidays, it's been about eight years since my mom and I lived in the same space, and ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When I went to the DMV to get a temporary tag, I noticed that every person in line -- about 25 people, from young to middle-aged -- was wearing their pajamas and flip-flops. They all looked like they had just rolled out of bed.

They were also all on their phones, oblivious to others. I felt like I was in their bedrooms or ...Read more

Dear Annie: I married my best friend 19 years ago, but we have known each other for nearly 40. Our shared history runs deep. We have weathered life's highs and lows together, raised children, supported each other through illnesses, job changes and the inevitable challenges of growing older. In many ways, our bond is strong and steady.

However...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My father and stepmother have a vacation home in another state, and they invite us to visit every year. The problem is, the sofa bed in the guest room is so uncomfortable that it's impossible to sleep. However, they think that the bed is great because other guests have told them that. I find it hard to believe that the other guests ...Read more

A TikTok video I saw the other day suggested that I should reclaim my attention to the present. Mid-scroll, the app that makes money off my distracted brain suddenly wanted me to log off and be present. That's like the bartender telling you to quit drinking while he pours the next shot.

Be present, as if the present is some enchanted meadow we'...Read more

Dear Annie: I read the letter from "Sideline Mom With a Heavy Heart" with deep empathy. My husband coached both of our sons, now grown men, in baseball, wrestling and football. While he was not as intense as the father described in that letter, he certainly had his moments.

Early on, I sat him down and said, "No one feels worse about missing ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have a friend, "Chris," from our teenage days. We've been performing music together for decades. We live in different cities but get together every few years. Over the last 20 years, Chris has turned toward a fundamentalist viewpoint on religion. I found it too much to handle and have distanced myself.

Recently, Chris contacted me ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My parents are playing favorites with their grandchildren, and it's becoming more obvious. My kids are starting to notice, and it absolutely breaks my heart. For example, my mom buys my sister's children much more expensive gifts for birthdays and holidays, while my kids get smaller or less thoughtful presents. She also often ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: You have been influential in my decision to take up a new hobby this year: mailing handwritten letters to friends and family for a variety of occasions. This includes handwritten thank-you cards instead of my usual texts of gratitude upon receiving a gift when the giver is not present.

But I got myself into a funny conundrum....Read more

Dear Annie: I've been married to a wonderful woman for almost 50 years. That alone should explain our relationship: 50 years. I've never loved anyone else. Our courtship and marriage were wonderful. She was everything I wanted my wife and the mother of my children to be, and she has been, except for one detail. She lied to me about her sexual ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My "Uncle Ron" raised his son and daughter all alone, and I think it was a struggle for him. Over the years, he put affection on the back burner and became results-driven. He did his best to make sure his children were A students, hard-working, well-behaved, well-spoken and aligned for success. I think his rigid parenting style ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When flying, I often find myself subjected to the unintentional elbow jabs of my seatmate.

I always make a conscious effort to remain within the boundaries of my seat, carefully avoiding encroaching on anyone else's space. However, on my last flight, I was elbowed repeatedly while attempting to sleep. (For the record, I have ...Read more

Dear Annie: I recently had my 50th birthday. My boyfriend and I have been dating for seven years, with a two-year break. His friend recently asked me if my boyfriend gave me a present from him. I hadn't received the present, so I didn't say anything to my boyfriend, hoping maybe time just got away from us and he forgot. It has been over six ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband and I are going through a rough patch, and I just don't know what to do. He seems to believe that I am cheating on him.

This all started one night when I returned home pretty late from going out with a girlfriend who was visiting. It's rare that I stay out late drinking or partying. My spouse knew exactly where I was ...Read more