ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: A former colleague recently asked me to serve as a reference as they apply for new jobs, and IÕm feeling conflicted. We worked together for a couple of years, and while they were friendly, I often found their work to be inconsistent. There were missed deadlines, a lack of follow-through and moments where they didnÕt handle ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My daughter and I have a disagreement regarding graduation invitations. She has stated that sending an invitation means you are expecting a gift, so therefore it is acceptable not to send the invitation.

I believe it is an opportunity to celebrate a major milestone in the life of the graduate with family and friends. I do not...Read more

Dear Annie: My husband and I have lived in our modest home for many years in a quiet, beautiful neighborhood where the houses have always felt gracious and in scale with one another. We are not extravagant people, and our little house has never been the biggest or fanciest on the block, but it has always been our sanctuary. We worked hard for ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have a friend I have known for a very long time. We bonded 10 years ago over common interests and mutual friends. Over the years, they have suffered from anxiety, depression and OCD. In addition, they are also narcissistic, but it had never been a problem before.

I have spent many a day and night on the phone with them for hours, ...Read more

When I first met my husband, he ran through the standard get-to-know-you questions, one of which was, did I like to bike? As he was, and still is, very handsome, the answer was a swift, "Of course!"

I lied.

It's not that I was anti-bike or didn't know how to ride; I just wasn't an avid cyclist, which is what he sounded like at the time. That ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have a teenager who is bright, funny and, in many ways, a good kid. They do well in school, have friends and can be thoughtful when it counts. But when it comes to life at home, it is as if none of it registers.

I feel like I am constantly scanning the house, noticing what needs to be done -- the overflowing trash, the empty ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a senior in college, and I'm graduating soon. The last few years have been difficult in terms of figuring out who I am. The major I chose is not necessarily something that connects to me. I chose a field in STEM because I thought it would bring stability, but I am a creative person through and through. My lack of passion for...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have some friends who frequently announce to me how much money they are saving by shopping at discount stores, buying off-brand items and buying all of their clothing, including shoes, at secondhand and thrift stores.

I am not wealthy, but I am a professional who works hard. I do not shop at these stores because whenever I ...Read more

Dear Annie: "Ashton," a popular boy from my child's elementary school class, moved away in the middle of last year. A couple of months later, his mom let me know they would be visiting. She asked if I would organize some of Ashton's classmates for a get-together, and I agreed.

I sent out invitations to meet at a park for two hours to play, ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am a 38-year-old woman with no kids, a loving partner and puppy. I run a business my dad originally built. I'm at a high point in my life despite the tragedy of losing my mom. I realize my friendships are important going forward in life.

One woman I've known since childhood posts harsh, opinionated political things on her social ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter came home from school the other day after getting into a fight with two other students. I was livid! I set up a meeting with the administration and the parents of the two other girls immediately. Apparently, my daughter has been bullied for nearly a year at her middle school. I can't believe I hadn't noticed anything ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a person of a certain age. I enjoy the company of other people, but I move quite slowly. I gladly receive guests for afternoon tea, as my housekeeper is amenable to serving.

Occasionally I wish to entertain a small group at a fine restaurant for the evening. Since I am making the invitation, I require nothing from my ...Read more

Dear Annie: I work in a small office where everyone is friendly, but one co-worker has taken "friendly" to a new level. Over the past year, she's begun confiding in me about deeply personal issues: her marriage troubles, financial stress, arguments she's had the night before. At first, I listened out of kindness. But it's becoming a daily ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been separated for 15 years. Our two grown children are on the spectrum. For the past two years, our daughter has lived with her father because she wouldn't agree to be part of the team at my home and abide by the basic rules: Pick up after yourself, take your animal out, flush the toilet, etc.

Now Dad has a ...Read more