Life Advice
/Health
/ArcaMax
Learning to Say 'I've Got This' at Work, and 'No, Thank You' at Home
Dear Annie: I recently started a new job at a software company, and for the most part, I really like it. The work is interesting, my co-workers are friendly, and the company culture is a good fit for me. The only issue is my manager. She has a habit of micromanaging just about everything I do. She insists on reviewing emails before I send them...Read more
Widower's New Romance Includes A Few Red Flags
DEAR ABBY: I am a man who was widowed 11 months ago. I met a woman on a dating site, and we clicked immediately. We have been enjoying each other's company for several months. We have a long-distance relationship. She lives three hours away. Although she indicated on the dating site her status as "separated for two years," she still lives in the...Read more

Ask Anna: Screening out phone time on date night
Dear Anna,
I'm in a polyamorous relationship with my girlfriend of two years, and we see each other once a week due to other partners and our demanding work schedules. I completely understand that she's often exhausted when we finally get together, and I'm fine with low-key dates like ordering takeout and watching TV. The problem is that even ...Read more
Single File: Defensiveness -- Fortress Thinking (Part 1)
ATTENTION "SINGLE FILE(R)" EDITORS: THE FOLLOWING COLUMN WAS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED IN 2017. THANK YOU. - CREATORS
If you've been with me for a while now, you've probably gotten the message that most of the rough spots in single life are not lethal in themselves but can stir up major mischief when they get out of hand.
The same rule applies to ...Read more

Ask Dating Coach Erika: Should I have a backup plan?
This week, we have three very relatable dating questions:
Question: I really like Gerry and don’t feel like sifting through other profiles. But is that wise? Should I still go through the motions as backup options until my three-month Match subscription ends, in case Gerry and I fizzle? I know he likes me.
-- Jane, 62, Orlando, Florida
...Read more

Asking Eric: Friend in a different country ambivalent about American political strife
Dear Eric: My bestie is a modern-day pen pal. That is to say I know him on only social
media. But we've had so many fine chats over the last decade, until recently.
He lives in another country, where personal freedom is strongly protected. I recently told him how bad things are here in the US – not how bad they could be, but how bad they are...Read more
Public Figure Feels He Must Not Rock The Boat
DEAR HARRIETTE: I was invited to a gathering at a nightclub this weekend, and I sat with a private group of people who provided table service. It was very chic until random people started to sneak up and try to pour themselves free drinks from our bar setup. One woman came and sat with our group, even though we didn't know her; she tried to ...Read more
Boyfriend Pouts, Misses Dinner, Pouts Some More
DEAR MISS MANNERS: My boyfriend and I live together, with roommates, in a big house. We share the cooking, and due to shift work and other reasons, dinner can be anywhere between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Usually, when dinner is ready, whoever cooked it will send a message in the group chat to call everyone to the table. (People might be spread out on ...Read more
When You've Always Been There for Family -- and They're No Longer There for You
Dear Annie: I am an 85-year-old widow living alone. I have three children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In years past, when I was still driving, I would visit regularly and made it a point to stay involved. I helped pay for camps, lessons, pageants, tutors and even household expenses. I have always tried to be generous with...Read more
Husband's Jokes' Make Wife The Target Of Every Punchline
DEAR ABBY: I've been married for 49 years. Of course, we've had our ups and downs. My husband, "Sid," said he was joking at the store the other day. When I talk, I gesture with my hands. A woman was coming down the aisle while I was talking, and Sid warned her, "Watch out! She's mean! She's violent!"
At another store, he told the cashier, "...Read more

Asking Eric: Wife feels neglected by husband caring for ailing father
Dear Eric: My husband and I have been married almost five years, and it has been wonderful. Six months ago, we had a major disruption when my 83-year-old father-in-law was diagnosed with dementia. He was admitted to hospice last week. We have no one to help with him, except for a sitter that is draining his wallet.
My husband and I have an 11-...Read more
Friends Ditch Student Who Doesn't Dress For Club Night
DEAR HARRIETTE: My friends and I are studying abroad in Europe, and we like to explore the party scene here. The clubs are strict -- they have security guards, and apparently everyone expects you to wear high heels and tiny dresses, neither of which are really my style. My friends and their tiny dresses were approved by the bouncer, but my mom ...Read more
Please Stay Home, Even If It's 'just A Cold'
DEAR MISS MANNERS: A group of six longtime friends planned a get-together at my house including snacks and games. One friend showed up very clearly ill, with a red, runny nose and a pack of tissues, saying, "It's just a cold! I feel fine."
Maybe I should have been more sympathetic, but I instead mentioned that I didn't want to get sick because ...Read more
Fractured Bonds
Dear Annie: My husband and I recently went on an eight-day cruise to Iceland with two close friends. We have been friends for more than 40 years and have traveled together many times. Two days before we were to leave, I tested positive for Covid. I went to urgent care, and the doctor told me I could still go on the trip. I began Paxlovid and ...Read more
Females Sidle Up To Woman's Boyfriend On The Dance Floor
DEAR ABBY: I'm in an eight-month relationship with a man who is a sexy good dancer. (I'm also a good dancer.) My dilemma is, he attracts a lot of female attention on the dance floor, and sometimes women aggressively come up and dance next to us, vying for his attention (which we usually ignore). Most of the time, I pay them no attention, but it ...Read more

Asking Eric: After paternity test, father struggles with relationship to children
Dear Eric: The short version is I caught my ex-wife in bed with someone when I was 26 years old. At the time I had 2-, 4-, and 6-year-old children. Two boys and one girl. I remarried at 30 years old and am now 64. I just found out through DNA testing that the three kids are not my children. They all have different dads. My ex is remarried and ...Read more
New Dog Owner Struggling With Structure
DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently adopted a dog, and while I'm excited to have a new companion, I'm realizing it's a lot more responsibility than I anticipated. My schedule is hectic, and I'm struggling to find enough time for walks, training and giving him the attention he needs. On top of that, my dog has started chewing on furniture, getting into ...Read more
A Congressman Walks Into A Coffee Shop
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was at a coffeehouse in my neighborhood on a Saturday morning when my congressional representative took a seat two tables over. I had seen him there before, but refrained from approaching him or speaking with him.
I could tell from his informal clothing that he was trying to fit in and not be noticed. But because he took a ...Read more
Fault-Finding Friends
Dear Annie: My spouse and I have longtime friends who visit from out of town several times a year. We've kept up this tradition for many years, and in return we also visit them. At first, these visits were enjoyable, but lately they've become a source of stress.
It began with small comments -- they said the guest bed wasn't comfortable and ...Read more
Friend's Comment Feels Like A Stab In The Back
DEAR ABBY: I have a persecution complex. I know where it comes from. My mother repeatedly told me how ugly I was as a child. Recently, I was going through some rough times. My sister, who I was in charge of, had a massive stroke and subsequently died. I'd had to take care of her, and I resented it. When she had the stroke, I began reminiscing, ...Read more
Inside Life Advice
Popular Stories
- Ask Dating Coach Erika: Should I lie about my age online?
- This podcaster who will solve your emotional dilemma by pairing you with a stranger
- 'Marry Lisa' billboard campaign attracts scores of potential suitors to woman seeking love
- Ask Anna: Screening out phone time on date night
- Ask Dating Coach Erika: Should I have a backup plan?