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DEAR HARRIETTE: This week, my boss made an inappropriate comment about my outfit and body, which made me super uncomfortable. He said that my body looked hot in my dress and that I knew what I was doing to show off my curves. The culture of my company is casual and informal, but I feel like this crossed a line of what is OK to say to your co-...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I visit my local gym multiple times a week to do cardio and strength training. It's not uncommon for members to use their mobile phones as part of their regimen to access workout routines or to time their activities.

However, many members will complete a short set of exercises on the machines, then stay on the machine or ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have always strived to be a super supportive mother-in-law and have maintained what I thought was a great relationship with my daughter-in-law until recently. My daughter-in-law gave birth to my first and only grandchild a little over a year ago, and I have tried my best to respect the boundaries she has set.

I live six hours ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: Let me start off by saying I have a great life, a good job, a loving boyfriend and family I adore. I'm a 42-year-old woman with grown children and grandkids. In the past, I struggled with low self-esteem and now choose to keep to myself.

My life with my boyfriend of seven years has helped me to be more open and has boosted my self-...Read more

All the planning and anticipation is paying off. The council is tonight. Phones turned off, young minds definitely turned on, there are questions to ask, comments to make. Is there anything more wonderful for a parent than being with the next generation of oneself?! (Relax. Smile. And get ready to listen hard to the people who will make the best...Read more

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(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole

DEAR MISS MANNERS: To settle a debate: After an election has been "called," which candidate properly phones the other? The winner or the loser, and why?

I say it's like a tennis match, in which the winner graciously makes the first move to contact the other side, so as not to appear arrogant.

My colleague counters that to do so rubs salt in ...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm the mother of a 14-year-old daughter, and lately TikTok has me genuinely frightened.

At first, I thought it was mostly dancing, makeup tutorials and funny videos. But over time, I started hearing about dangerous "challenges," extreme dieting advice, risky stunts and videos that encourage kids to do things they would never have...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am 39 and have been with my husband for 20 years. We got together when we were young, and our two kids are almost grown. Early in our relationship, he cheated on me several times. I was able to move past that for the most part. We have a solid relationship and life now. A few of my ex-boyfriends have reached out to me over the last ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: This is our second year to host my husband's family for Thanksgiving. Last year, my brother-in-law and his wife extended our invitation to her parents, her brother and his daughter -- members of her extended family who I have met a few times, but don't know well.

I made room for them, but I would prefer to not have people I ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have been married to my husband for a little over 50 years, and lately I find myself wondering whether I am becoming too sensitive or whether something in our marriage has changed.

More and more, I feel as though my feelings, needs and wishes are being overlooked. If I speak up about something that bothers me, especially if it ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are friendly with another couple, "Matt" and "Mara." They have two young children, one of whom is autistic. We have five children, so we understand the daily challenges of parenting.

My husband and Matt have been friends since preschool. I met Mara soon after she and Matt started dating. We weren't that close until ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My oldest child recently moved out, and I'm finding the adjustment harder than I expected. I'm proud of him for taking this step toward independence. This is what I've spent years preparing him to do, but now that it has happened, I'm realizing that I needed some preparation, too.

Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I'm registering a vote to ABANDON MANNERS in a certain context.

Lately telemarketers have a new strategy: They just keep talking without letting you get a word in. They'll even keep asking the same questions, even if you choose not to answer them.

I hung up on one of them yesterday, but I'm feeling bad that A. I didn't hold ...Read more

Dear Annie: I recently had another unpleasant encounter with my 13-year-old granddaughter, and this time we both ended up yelling. What began as a simple conversation quickly turned into hateful answers, a bad attitude and her refusal to speak to me in a respectful or pleasant way.

Unfortunately, this has become a pattern. I have tried to be ...Read more