ArcaMax

The victims of the shooting could have been at the table next to us at Olive Garden. Or, it could have been the shooters. It's hard to know.

The table had a group of young men, perhaps in their late teens or early 20s, wearing their grown bodies like oversized coats inherited from their fathers. My son and I shared the wall-length booth with ...Read more

Dear Annie: Some years ago, I went to a nearby office supply shop, where I saw a local couple looking around. The woman, a local musician, had Alzheimer's, but she seemed to recognize me, so we began a conversation. I don't recall what it was about, but it was the silliest, most illogical and the most fun conversation I've ever had with anyone. ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am recently separated, and my divorce will be final soon. I have met a woman I didn't even know could exist. She's perfect for me. The problem is, she lives an hour and a half away and can't drive at night due to a medical condition.

I have fallen for her, and it's mutual. The issues are the distance and the fact that her father ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My neighbor sometimes seeks out my husband before she thinks to call me. She is a bit older than me and my husband, and we've been friends for the past 20 years or so, but I wonder why she is so fond of my hubby. She and I hang out sometimes, too, but the other night she seemed to be feeling ill and asked my husband to stop by ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am in my late 30s and childless, not by choice. I prefer to have a small circle of friends, but I have found it difficult to find other childless friends; statistically, most people my age have children -- especially in church settings, where I spend a lot of my time.

It often leaves me feeling like I don't fit in, as I ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've been married to my second husband for 38 years. He's a good man, and I'm blessed to have such a wonderful husband and father to our daughter. We've had our ups and downs, but for the most part, he has been a gift from God.

So what's the problem? He is often condescending and patronizing toward me. He frequently interjects a ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: As I approach my mid-30s, many friends have paired off and gotten married. How do I manage friendships in which I'm close with one friend but don't enjoy spending time with their new spouse? While they are not overtly offensive, they're just not fun to socialize with.

Should I slowly pull away from the relationship over a couple of ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: There is someone in my life I care about deeply. She is kind to me and encourages me to pursue my dreams, travel more, explore new hobbies and a whole lot more. I show up for her, too, and do my best to be supportive, but I struggle with romance and affection. I've never been good at those things, and it never felt like a ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My wife and I entertain frequently. We get a lot of joy out of hosting longtime friends and family for holidays and special occasions. We are attentive to the vibe and move things along at a pace that matches it. Everyone always tells us we host lovely evenings and that they can't wait for the next one.

The problem is with ...Read more

Dear Annie: My friend "Lauren" and I have been close since high school. We used to talk all the time and make plans regularly, but now I'm always the one reaching out. If I don't text or call first, I don't hear from her at all. When we do hang out, things are great, but that's only once every month or so.

I've asked if something is wrong, ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My 38-year-old daughter attempted suicide a week ago. She had been living with her fiance, and they shared an apartment and had two cats. My wife and I brought her home from the hospital, and she's staying with us.

Her fiance's and his family's reactions have been horrible. Instead of comforting her, they are angry at her about the ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: Last month, I received some concerning news about my health, and it made me realize that I need to take better care of myself. I want to start working out, meditating and eating healthier, but honestly, I don't know where to begin. The idea of completely changing my lifestyle feels overwhelming, and I've never been great at ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Should I warn particularly conservative guests that an annual party they attended last year has grown in size and will include a more eclectic group of people?

My husband and I hosted a last-minute holiday open house last year. Many of the attendees were generally conservative, reflecting the nature of my immediate ...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm struggling with how to handle my mother-in-law, "Karen." My husband, "Jake," and I have been married for five years, and we just had our first baby, "Emily," three months ago.

Since Emily was born, Karen has been over constantly. At first, I appreciated her help, but now it feels like she's taking over. She drops by ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I met an acquaintance a few months ago during a brief work situation. We struck up a friendship (or so I thought) and have had lunch or dinner together a few times. She's recently divorced, and she has a fancy house, lots of expensive clothes, purses and a mega-expensive vehicle, all of which her ex paid for.

I have now gotten the ...Read more

Now, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted by those seven days? Oh, I remember now. You were feeling impatient with the waiting game and ready (almost) to make something happen now, soon, even though the love of your life isn't (yet) on the scene! The way I see it, passivity is no longer your style. You've been feeding yourself, a ...Read more