ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I think my son may be harboring some resentment toward me. We have a strained relationship, and even though I want us to be closer, the distance seems intentional on his end. If I try asking questions, he gets defensive or gives short responses only, and sometimes it turns into an argument or disagreement. On more than one ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My daughter acted poorly and has now been distancing herself from one of her good friends. This is the second time in a few years she has done this.

I've spoken to her for weeks, trying to get her to apologize and mend their relationship. My daughter has now reached out to her friend, saying she wants to be friends again. The...Read more

Dear Annie: I've been married for 28 years, and I'm starting to feel like my husband doesn't love me as much anymore as he once did.

We talk and get along, but it feels like we are more friends instead of lovers. We used to make love all the time. But since we moved in with his dad to take care of him, I'm lucky if we make love once a week. ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm having a problem with my sister, who visits me on the average of once a month. She lives four hours away. Her friend and her husband accompany her. They are my only company. I used to enjoy them but no longer. After their visits, stuff is always missing from my house -- a hairbrush, my dog's electric nail file, random dishes and ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: For many years, I worked in corporate America with a strict 9 to 5, Monday through Friday schedule. Recently, I made the switch -- as the economy demanded -- to working freelance. I now work in media and do a lot of event-based work. It is way more fast-paced, and my schedule is completely different every single day. I quite ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am writing this on a flight to Dallas after the flight attendant just served my soft drink. Is it just me, or are other airline passengers just as irritated by the way these drinks are served?

More often than not, the attendant will stand in the aisle, check the drink order list, then grab the top of the cup with their ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've been close friends with "Tina" for over 25 years. We've raised our kids together and supported each other through losses and hard times. But in the last year or so, things have shifted. Tina has become increasingly self-absorbed; every conversation circles back to her. If I share something I'm struggling with, she'll respond ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My friend of 50 years passed away a few months ago. I sent a fruit basket to her family and tried calling, but I was unable to get through. I couldn't reach them via email or text either. I also sent a sympathy card. I heard nothing back from her husband or the daughter I am closest to. She's my godchild, and I was always involved in ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently joined a local photography club because I wanted to meet other photographers, improve my skills and share my work in a supportive environment. Most members are great, but one person has started posting some of my photos online without my permission and giving themselves credit as the photographer. It makes me feel ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: After commuting to the same job for 15 years, 15 minutes from my home, last winter I took a better job an hour away. My body refuses to adjust to this new reality. Even though I have virtually stopped drinking water or coffee in the afternoons, and even though I visit the ladies' room last thing before leaving the office, I ...Read more

Dear Annie: I am 67 years old and have been married for 43 years to a man who treats me well, has been a fair father and has tried his best to be a good husband. My problem is that although I worked for 30 years as a registered nurse and contributed more than half to our retirement (we have a very comfortable retirement), my very old home is ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My mother passed away last year, and my father is 90. I am trying to get their primary and vacation homes staged for sale. It is a HUGE job as they were hoarders. They were popular, and when I go to their cabin, all their neighbors want to come and chat with me and Dad.

Because the property is unique and valuable, several of them ...Read more

Feeling a bit jumpy from the day's news -- and grind? Well, you're invited to kick off your shoes, pour yourself a cold drink and have fun. This is going to be a fall of brain ticklers, where you can kick back and relax and then fast-forward your answer. Oh -- one more thing: There just may be some current events tossed into the columns, so be ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friends are always pulling out their phones to take photos whenever we hang out, whether it's at dinner, a casual walk or even just hanging out at someone's apartment. I know it's normal these days, but I hate being in photos because I feel awkward and self-conscious in front of the camera. I never like how I look in photos, ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: After a meal at a restaurant, my mother is in the habit of vigorously rubbing both of her hands with one or two lemon slices, squeezing the juice into her palms, pouring water onto a napkin, then wiping her hands. She will even go so far as to shake excess water from her hands onto her plate.

Mother thinks this is perfectly ...Read more