ArcaMax

DEAR MISS MANNERS: A few days after I got my brand-new, light-colored couch, I had friends over with their new baby. When the dad started changing the baby's diaper directly on my new couch, I quickly offered to put a blanket down.

He glared at me like I'd insulted him, and they left soon after. Was I wrong to offer?

GENTLE READER: New parents...Read more

Dear Annie: I cannot believe I am asking for advice. Here goes! My mom, with whom I was very close, passed away 21 months ago. Annie, my life has never been the same.

I cared for Mom when she became unexpectedly ill. I witnessed her last breath. By all accounts, I should be happy that I was the loving daughter and did right by Mom and the ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I recently scheduled a last-minute consultation with my doctor that might result in surgery. My husband has a meeting during that time, which isn't actually necessary, but he feels he needs to attend. I feel he is choosing a non-urgent obligation over my more immediate concerns.

All that said, I am capable of handling what comes my ...Read more

Get closer to your parents. Like most corny advice, this one's pure gold. These people who sired you and raised you into adulthood are special in your life, unique and irreplaceable, too often ignored in the rush to adulthood. Take them to dinner, one at a time, and let them get to know their offspring as an adult, and a loving one at that. It ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been invited to a high-profile event by an old friend I haven't seen in years. It's a fantastic opportunity, but there's a bit of a catch: The event is in a city I'm uncomfortable traveling to alone due to safety concerns. I'm in my early 40s now and find that I'm more cautious about such things than I used to be.

While I'm...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am marrying a lovely man after three years of dating. He has one sister and one brother. I have two sisters. All of our siblings will be in our wedding party.

However, one person is being left out: My fiance's brother, Max, has a long-term girlfriend named Jenna. The two have been dating since high school and are coming up ...Read more

Dear Annie: I am a 70-year-old retired man with no children. My wife died in 2016, and we had a very happy relationship together for more than 28 years.

About three months after she died, I met a wonderful lady, "Sarah," who took my heart away. However, she had very strong religious convictions that I simply did not share. For a long time, she ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My young adult child came out to us as transgender several months ago. My husband and I, along with her sibling, are supportive and love her unconditionally.

She recently decided to share the news with her grandparents, sending a heartfelt email along with a couple of resources specifically for grandparents. One grandparent has been ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently received an incredible job offer from one of the top companies to work for in the United States. This opportunity is a huge milestone in my career; it's something I've worked really hard for over the years. I was thrilled when I got the news and couldn't wait to share it with the people closest to me. However, when I ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have vegan relatives, and when we go to their home, they prepare only vegan foods. If it is a three-day visit, we eat the same boring foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

When they come to my home, I always provide vegan dishes. Shouldn't they provide non-vegan dishes for me, too? Or do I have to bring my own?

GENTLE ...Read more

Dear Annie: My husband and I are trying to figure out how to emotionally support our adult daughter, who is 40 years old. She is going through a very emotional period in her life.

She has been married for about a year, has "major issues" with her spouse and is not certain she can "stay in the relationship." But from our conversations with her ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I've been seeing a man, "Barry," who worked with my younger brother. They had an altercation at work, and Barry was terminated for misconduct. My brother, "Rob," is upset with me because I still see him. Barry did reach out to Rob to apologize and see if they could move on. While my brother has forgiven Barry, he has chosen to have no...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm feeling frustrated with my brother's girlfriend, and I could use your perspective. "Sally" often stays over at our house, especially on days when she doesn't have classes, as she's about to graduate college. Meanwhile, my brother "Bill" is already working, and he covers all of the household expenses since our parents are ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My spouse and I frequently host meals for 10 to 20 guests, both personally and professionally. We have a debate over whether to put out spoons for meals when we are not serving soup.

My spouse contends that spoons may be used for things other than soup (e.g. spreads, or the last bits of thin sauces). I prefer not to set out ...Read more