Life Advice
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Caught Between Sisters
Dear Annie: I am caught in a very difficult family situation. I have twin sisters-in-law, Tricia and Tanya, who have not spoken to each other in more than 25 years. To complicate things further, Tanya and her mother have also been estranged for 24 years.
I've managed to maintain good relationships with both sisters, but things have come to a ...Read more
Sister-In-Law's Mental Health Clouds Family's Future
DEAR ABBY: My brother "Joey" married a woman, "Allie," who is mentally unstable. Every couple of months, she loses her temper at me or one of my family members. It's extremely disruptive and upsetting. She has been diagnosed with type 1 bipolar disorder as well as borderline personality disorder. Joey recognizes her behavior is inappropriate but...Read more
This podcaster who will solve your emotional dilemma by pairing you with a stranger
PHILADELPHIA -- George had a problem, and he had reached out to Yowei Shaw for help.
After a decade-plus relationship, his wife had come out as queer and divorced him. (George is a Midwesterner using a pseudonym.)
Shaw, the Philly-based creator and founder of the new podcast Proxy, listened to his story and began her search for help.
The ...Read more
Asking Eric: After brother’s death, sister wants family mementos back from sister-in-law
Dear Eric: When my brother passed away many years ago, my sister-in-law kept the family photo album that belonged to him.
The family photos in my sister-in-law’s possession include many from my childhood and our larger family, as well as a few of her husband, my brother. I understand that these albums hold great sentimental value for her, and...Read more
When the Neighbor's Mess Becomes Your Problem
Dear Annie: I have lived in my house for more than 40 years. In all that time, I have done my best to be a good neighbor. I am not the type to throw block parties or socialize regularly, but I have always made a point to wave, say hello and keep a friendly atmosphere on our street. Until recently, that was enough to maintain a peaceful, ...Read more
Asking Eric: Husband’s pouting keeps couple trapped
Dear Eric: I'm not happy where we live and want to move to be closer to my family. My parents are in good health now, but I’m concerned I don’t have much time left with them. However, I know if I tell my husband my feelings in wanting to move it will devastate him because this is the first time in my husband's life that he's actually enjoyed...Read more
Shifting the Blame
Dear Annie: I often see letters in your column from mothers-in-law with various complaints about their daughters-in-law. The themes are familiar: "She never invites me to activities." "She doesn't take pictures of me with the baby." "She won't let me see my grandchild."
What I find myself wondering is: Why is all of the frustration directed ...Read more
Millennial Life: How About We Just Try Doing It Right
There's a difference between doing something and doing it right. You can check a box, sign your name, make the announcement, and hold the press conference. But that's not the same as solving a problem. And too often these days, we're watching leaders choose the performance of action over the practice of responsibility.
Doing it right doesn't ...Read more
Asking Eric: Father fears daughter has fallen for a player
Dear Eric: I have a wonderful relationship with both of my adult children. My son is married with a family. My daughter is divorced with a teenage son, and I'm very concerned about her. She has had no luck dating because, I feel, she is attracted to the wrong kind of man (players).
She finally met a man of suitable age who, at first, seemed to...Read more
The Scent of Honesty
Dear Annie: I used to really enjoy my job. Then came my new cubicle mate. She is perfectly nice, friendly, polite, even funny, but she also has body odor so powerful it could knock over a houseplant. Our desks are only five feet apart, which means I spend eight hours a day marinating in her scent cloud. By mid-morning, my stomach is churning, ...Read more
Asking Eric: New boyfriend vows to keep cheating
Dear Eric: After a lifetime of making bad choices in a husband and later boyfriends, I gladly embraced the single life and have been fully content and even joyful.
A few months ago, at age 70, I attended a dear friend’s memorial service. As I started to leave, I had a flash of connection as my eyes met those of my friend’s now-widower who I...Read more
Protecting What's Private
Dear Annie: My husband and I have a large family, and earlier this year we welcomed our newest baby, "Izzy." The pregnancy went smoothly, and everyone thought she was healthy until about half a week after coming home, when she began showing concerning symptoms. We've been working closely with her doctor ever since and recently learned she has ...Read more
Asking Eric: Freeloading friend hasn’t paid for lunch in a decade
Dear Eric: I have a friend who has moved several states away but comes back to visit at least once a year. She has many friends in this area, and I know she is busy trying to fit us all into her schedule. When she and I meet for lunch at a local higher end restaurant, we have a couple of drinks, and she always orders steak. We’ve been doing ...Read more
Feeling Unsafe in Your Own Space
Dear Annie: A set of neighbors used to live across the street from me. When they did, I thought they were really nice, but I found out later -- too late -- that they were meth addicts who stole anything that wasn't nailed down, including from me. I discovered they would watch when I'd leave and go into my house. I'm 74 and from the era when we...Read more
'Marry Lisa' billboard campaign attracts scores of potential suitors to woman seeking love
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- After years of always being the perpetual bridesmaid, Lisa Catalano of San Mateo, California, laid down her soft-pink bouquet, hung up her strappy blue satin Maid of Honor dress and drafted a text to her friends:
“I’m officially announcing my retirement from being a bridesmaid,” she wrote. “The next wedding I’m ...Read more
Asking Eric: Daughter moves back in with parents and brings a mess with her
Dear Eric: I’m 81 years old and my husband is 84. We were comfortably retired until our 44-year-old daughter and 9-year-old granddaughter moved in with us a few weeks ago. Our daughter was evicted from her condo because her ex-husband stopped paying. (I don’t blame him.)
She’s a college graduate and hasn’t worked at a job in her field ...Read more
Learning to Say 'I've Got This' at Work, and 'No, Thank You' at Home
Dear Annie: I recently started a new job at a software company, and for the most part, I really like it. The work is interesting, my co-workers are friendly, and the company culture is a good fit for me. The only issue is my manager. She has a habit of micromanaging just about everything I do. She insists on reviewing emails before I send them...Read more
Ask Anna: Screening out phone time on date night
Dear Anna,
I'm in a polyamorous relationship with my girlfriend of two years, and we see each other once a week due to other partners and our demanding work schedules. I completely understand that she's often exhausted when we finally get together, and I'm fine with low-key dates like ordering takeout and watching TV. The problem is that even ...Read more
Single File: Defensiveness -- Fortress Thinking (Part 1)
ATTENTION "SINGLE FILE(R)" EDITORS: THE FOLLOWING COLUMN WAS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED IN 2017. THANK YOU. - CREATORS
If you've been with me for a while now, you've probably gotten the message that most of the rough spots in single life are not lethal in themselves but can stir up major mischief when they get out of hand.
The same rule applies to ...Read more
Ask Dating Coach Erika: Should I have a backup plan?
This week, we have three very relatable dating questions:
Question: I really like Gerry and don’t feel like sifting through other profiles. But is that wise? Should I still go through the motions as backup options until my three-month Match subscription ends, in case Gerry and I fizzle? I know he likes me.
-- Jane, 62, Orlando, Florida
...Read more
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