ArcaMax

Dear Anna,

Hi Anna. I’m 40 years old and single. I met someone over a year ago. Things started off well. She mentioned that she wants to spend time together, but when the time comes around I get a reason as to why she can’t make it and it's a repeat process. I feel like I’m being dragged around. What should I do? — Looking At Some ...Read more

Every May, I fly from New York to Austin, Texas, to compete in the annual O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships. Yes, this is a thing … and it’s serious. I’ve now attended five times and have twice come home with a third-place medal and once with a first-place trophy. Win or lose (though hopefully win — fingers crossed!), I know I’m ...Read more

Technology makes people flakier. It’s a sad truth. People can hide behind a screen without seeing someone else’s reaction to their words… or non-words, as is sometimes the case with ghosting. That’s not to say that all people are unreliable or flaky or rude, of course. In fact, most people are not. But the few who are set a negative tone...Read more

Dear Anna,

I’ve been dating my girlfriend for almost 10 months now. I frequently buy her jewelry and sometimes clothing, but she never wears them when we're together. Sometimes I'll ask for photos of her wearing the pieces to see how they look, and she will send one, but I never see them in person. Is this a me problem? Why doesn't she ever ...Read more

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. -- When Rita Nau moved to Fergus Falls during the pandemic, she didn’t know a soul.

It can be hard to make friends in America, and greater Minnesota is no exception. But Nau has found ways. In January, the former restaurateur began baking bread and making soup for neighbors, friends and friends of friends — really, ...Read more

Dear Readers: Since announcing my departure from writing this syndicated column, I have heard from scores of people across various platforms, thanking me for more than two decades of offering advice and wishing me well in my “retirement.” I am very touched and grateful for this outpouring of support.

The thing is – I don’t think of ...Read more