ArcaMax

DEAR ABBY: I've been seeing "Pete" for eight months. He has been divorced for the last 15 years. He has two grown children and five grandchildren with his ex-wife, "Linda," who is still a significant person in Pete's life. They text throughout the day and enjoy doing things with Linda's husband.

Pete is having major surgery soon. He has ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm trying to start a daily journaling habit for personal growth, but I'm struggling to find the time and stay consistent. I really want to make journaling a regular part of my life, but it's been challenging to fit it into my daily routine. I end up too busy or too tired by the end of the day to write, and as a result, I haven't...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: In my grandparents' home, no food was allowed to go to waste. After a meal, if there was any food left on someone's plate, it would either be claimed by someone else or added to the soup pot that was always on the stove. If someone had gravy left on their plate and no bread to sop it up, they were allowed to lick the plate.

...Read more

Dear Annie: Five weeks ago, my brother-in-law (23 years old) moved out of the psychiatric facility he was staying in after causing a scene and breaking property. My husband received a call from him saying he needed to be picked up, which my husband did, and we now have had to pay for my brother-in-law to stay in a local hotel until we can find...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My son-in-law and I had words five years ago. Two years ago, I wrote him a letter of apology and told him it was always "family first." My daughter confirmed he received the letter.

They recently had their fourth child. We haven't seen their first since he was 2 or the second since she was born, and we've seen the third only once. I ...Read more

Single parenting can be lonely, coming back to needy children and a partnerless home every night. But calling for a Family Council every Friday night, when the kids can sleep late the next day (and so can you), can put some fun and pizza into the week for all of you. It's a great time to air grievances, big and small, and let every voice feel ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm dealing with a health issue that requires significant dietary changes, and I'm struggling to make it work with my family's eating habits. I've had to cut out gluten and dairy, but my family continues to enjoy dishes that include these ingredients. They often have pasta night with creamy sauces, which has been really tough for...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I moved to a new area and adopted a large dog from a shelter. Large dogs were common where I grew up, and while some people didn't care for dogs, very few people were scared of them.

In this new area, I've noticed that some people are outright afraid of my dog. While on a walk, I saw a mother gasp and clutch her toddler to ...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm hurt and angry. My son and daughter-in-law will not let me see my grandchildren. It has been five years since I last saw them.

This all started after I had a fight with my daughter-in-law when my son lost his job. She demanded that I help him financially, but my finances were such that I could not afford to do so. At that time...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have been around "Kendra" since she was 4. I am 59 and not married to her mother, although we are good friends. Kendra is 36 now and has an 8-year-old son. She lives with her boyfriend, who is the father. They are not married. We have a great relationship.

For some reason, over the past four months, my feelings for Kendra have ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been feeling concerned about my teenage daughter lately. She's started spending time with a new group of friends who are really into extreme sports like skateboarding and parkour. This is a big shift from the activities we've always encouraged, such as volunteering and participating in community events. Last night she ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am the mother of two young children: a 2-year-old girl and a 5-month-old boy. How should I respond when people ask me if I am breastfeeding them?

I recognize that this is 2024, and many people have put forth a huge amount of effort to promote breastfeeding as a best practice for babies and young toddlers. I'm also glad that...Read more

Dear Annie: I recently hosted a gender reveal in my home for my daughter and son-in-law's first child. I invited family and my closest friends to witness this amazing event. My two best friends were there. They drank the entire time they were here. They chose to single out one particular person I invited -- and to treat her very rudely.

At ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: Eight years ago, my husband of 26 years had a stroke, and his personality changed. He was difficult to deal with, but, with time, his old personality came back, and things got better.

Two years ago, he finally kicked a longtime prescription drug habit. Our finances improved almost overnight (for which I am grateful), but his ...Read more