ArcaMax

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

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband and I have been blessed with five children. When we got married, we didn't plan for this many. We've decided that we are happy with our family size as is and do not want to have any more children. We both had the bright idea that the other person should undergo the necessary procedure to make that happen. Since we ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Having been raised in a strongly evangelical home, and having painfully walked away from those beliefs, religion is an emotionally distressing subject for me, one that I am only able to discuss with those very close to me.

A few months ago, I was hospitalized for a couple of weeks. For most of that time, I shared the room ...Read more

Dear Annie: Thousands of grandparents and extended family members are stepping in to raise children in today's world, often due to parents struggling with substance abuse. While many of us take on this responsibility out of love and necessity, it comes with its own set of emotional challenges.

As one of those grandparents, I've had to put my ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My son just told me his daughter, age 26, is getting breast enhancement surgery. My question is, how do I address that when next I see her, probably in several months? It's not like commenting on a new hair color or hairdo. Old men commenting on female anatomy, particularly that part, are not looked upon favorably.

As I see it, there...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am going through a tough time emotionally. My mom is in hospice care, which means she is nearing the end of her life. We are very close. It is obvious that she has a limited time to live, but it's still hard to witness.

When I talk to friends about it, I realize that most people don't listen. I have called my closest friends ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: How long should someone wait for a call to be returned?

My friend and I talk frequently on the phone. Lately when I call, I get a text that says, "I'll call you back." I thought the returned call would come in a short time, but it is taking longer and longer.

It was taking as long as a week, but now it doesn't come at all ...Read more

Dear Annie: My oldest son is married, and while I have always tried to maintain a good relationship with my daughter-in-law, it's clear that she doesn't like me. Despite this, I love my two grandchildren more than words can express and cherish every moment I get to spend with them.

However, I often feel excluded from their lives, especially ...Read more