Life Advice
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Daughter Turns 18 And Sets Off Down An Alarming Path
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I finally got custody of his daughter "Amelia" 15 days before her 16th birthday. She came to us with home-schooling and little socialization. Now she's 18, and we've gotten her on track to graduate, but she has completely changed. She plans to move in with her boyfriend and is skipping school.
My husband feels we can't...Read more

Asking Eric: Professor asked to eulogize difficult former colleague
Dear Eric: I am retired after 40 years of teaching at the same institution. Recently,
a former colleague of mine died. I was never close to this woman, but we were in the same department and had to collaborate on many projects and initiatives. Dealing with her was a challenge, but I tried my best to be professional. She was often unpleasant to ...Read more
Reader Wants Tips On Communication
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been reading your column for several years, and I've noticed how you are a big advocate for communication. Yay! I agree that communication is key.
Sometimes you provide words or sentences your readers can use. However, in some of the cases people ask you about, it seems like they are talking to a wall, and the other ...Read more
Hateful Person Steps Up Hateful Game
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have always struggled to get along with my mother-in-law. We are very different in tastes and temperament. I have tried to be polite and welcoming, to encourage familial bonds and to find some way to make her happy, but nothing I have done has ever been right.
She is quite outspoken in her negative opinions, so time with ...Read more
I'm Always There for Her -- but What About Me?
Dear Annie: My best friend, "Sarah," and I have been close since college, but lately, our friendship feels one-sided. She's going through a rough time; she broke up with her boyfriend, she hates her job and she's been struggling with anxiety. I've been there for her every step of the way, listening to her vent, offering advice and checking in ...Read more
Harsh Words Intensify Spat Involving In-Laws
DEAR ABBY: My daughter-in-law is very opinionated. At times, we get along. But, in the past, she has upset me by accusing me of not doing the right thing. She and my son have two young children together and full custody of his son from another mother.
I complimented my grandson on looking after his little sister at her birthday party and was ...Read more
Single File: The Second Look
Admit it. You've been bowled over by the good looks and smooth manner of someone who shall remain nameless. Who among us hasn't been?! But the last time your eyes locked with his/hers, it just wasn't the same celebration; sparks refused to fly. And there you were, in the middle of a perfectly scrumptious fantasy, when that old devil Reality came...Read more

Ask Anna: Breaking free from emotionally exhausting relationships
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

Word nerds unite: A great way to meet a date
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

Asking Eric: Fiancé’s freeloading daughters are blocking marriage
Dear Eric: I am a 62-year-old woman engaged to a 59-year-old man. He is my best friend. The problem? His 25- and 29-year-old daughters do not work or contribute to the household at all. They stay up all night and play games and sleep all day. Thankfully, I have my own home. I refuse to marry him until these "lumps" move out.
We have been ...Read more
Ex-Partner Questions Timing Of Reconnecting With Man
DEAR HARRIETTE: I think I'm still in love with my ex. Is it possible it just wasn't the right time for us?
My ex and I ran into each other for the first time in a long time at a party back in December, and it's as if we picked up where we left off. There was some subtle avoidance at first, but he checked on me throughout the night and insisted ...Read more
Errant Text Could Undo Decades Of Friendship
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am part of a group of six college friends from 50 years ago. We stay in touch by texting often, and getting together in person every few years. We are spread out geographically, but one friend and I are just a few miles apart and have always seen each other more often.
I was to stop by this friend's house to pick something ...Read more
Invisible at the Office
Dear Annie: I'm struggling with something at work that's starting to affect not just my motivation but also my self-worth.
My boss has taken credit for my work on several occasions. These aren't minor tasks; I'm talking about full-scale projects I've managed from start to finish, ideas I've brainstormed and developed, and presentations I've ...Read more
Expectant Mom Wants Her Sex Offender Father Out Of The Picture
DEAR ABBY: My dad is a registered sex offender who has done time for his crimes against children. My mother has continued to have contact with him and has repeatedly chosen him over her own children. She doesn't respect our wishes, and we believe she gives him information about our lives and our images.
With a child on the way, I cannot ...Read more

Asking Eric: Coworker’s outfits create conversation, but HR won’t help
Dear Eric: A woman who works for me dresses in a provocative fashion. We work in a formal professional setting. She wore a black lace dress with cleavage on a Monday and I blurted out “boy, you’re dressed up for a Monday!” Her response was that she had a date that night.
I get complaints from coworkers that her flesh-baring outfits are ...Read more
Neighbor Upset By Odor Coming From Next Door
DEAR HARRIETTE: My neighbors are from another country, and honestly I think they have the worst body odor ever. Their house isn't dirty; I think it must just be what they eat. All I know is that the smell seeps into the hallway and makes me gag. There's nothing I can say about it, but is there anything I can do? We live in an apartment building,...Read more
Take Friendly Comments At Face Value
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have been taking time off work to help care for my father, who has incurable cancer. To clients I don't know well, I've said, "I'll be out of town to help my dad, who is sick."
They almost invariably reply, "I hope he feels better soon." I know they mean well, and I usually manage to take it that way. But that doesn't stop ...Read more
Owed Money, Lost Sleep
Dear Annie: I have a close friend I care about a lot, but there's something that's starting to get under my skin -- and I'm not sure if I should say something or let it slide.
Whenever we go out -- whether it's lunch, drinks or concerts -- we usually agree to split the cost. But somehow, I always end up paying more. She's "forgotten her ...Read more
Elderly Couple's Only Child Begins A Life Without Them
DEAR ABBY: I am a single man with no siblings. My elderly father passed away eight months ago. My mother is now in hospice with a life expectancy of weeks to months. My parents have lived long and productive lives, and I'm proud of both of them. We have always been very close. Since their terminal illnesses, I have managed to function fairly ...Read more

Asking Eric: Friend refuses to get medical care, despite scary symptoms
Dear Eric: I have a friend who I've known since childhood. Our relationship has always been platonic. Through the years we have gone our separate ways but always stayed in touch. I was living in another state when he had and beat cancer.
I've been back in my hometown for a few years now and have spent quite a lot of time with him doing things ...Read more