ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently got into a heated argument with my dad, and it's been bothering me ever since. The fight started when I told him I wanted to move to a different city for a job opportunity. He criticized my decision, saying I was being reckless and that I should stay closer to home where things are "safe" and familiar. I tried to ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My pet dachshund is slightly overweight. The vet said he should lose 3 pounds. When we are out walking, people will occasionally make hurtful remarks about him, like "He really likes his food, doesn't he?" or "His belly is really dragging."

His belly is not dragging on the sidewalk. It makes me sad to see a sweet little dog ...Read more

Dear Annie: I'm 28 and recently moved back in with my parents to save money after a tough breakup. I'm grateful for the support, but I'm having trouble with my mom's behavior. She constantly comments on my weight, how I dress, or how much I'm on my phone. Last week, she said I'd have "better luck" if I wore makeup and "put myself out there ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My father and I have had a contentious relationship since I was a teenager. Despite being raised in his house, my values are different from his, and he takes it personally. I left home as soon as I was old enough and have lived the way I want since then.

After a couple of years of not seeing each other, my father asked if we could be...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friends and I made plans to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art last weekend to visit the rooftop before it closed (not just for the season, but for the next five years due to upcoming renovations). I was really looking forward to it since it felt like a once-in-a-long-time experience we'd all share together. Unfortunately, I...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I took a long cross-country flight, during which I was assigned the middle seat. The gentleman seated by the window insisted on asking me about my relationship with Jesus, showing me photos on his cellphone and trying to engage me in conversation, while I was very pointedly trying to watch a movie.

The flight was full, so ...Read more

Dear Annie: My sister "Michelle" and I used to be close, but things changed after she had her second child. She rarely returns my calls and only texts if I reach out first. When we do talk, it's always short, and she seems distracted or annoyed. I've offered to help with the kids or bring meals by, but she always says she's "got it handled."

...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are celebrating our second anniversary. For the most part, we're very happy. He's the best friend I've ever had. The problem is his family. They're wonderful people who have welcomed me with open arms. But they are also extremely clingy and lack common boundaries.

We recently moved to a larger home that's closer to ...Read more

Relax your body before you start this questionnaire. It's important you start this with shoulders loose and mind clear. Don't rush through the following questions, because chances are they'll lead to still more probing. (For now, jot down those additional questions on a separate sheet of paper for future reference.) The best way to do these ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend is upset with me because I didn't defend her during a heated argument in a group chat with some of our mutual friends. I didn't feel I should get involved. The conversation had escalated quickly, and I thought it was better to stay neutral. Now she's distant and barely responds when I try to reach out.

I feel caught in...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: For the past 15 years or so, my wife and I have been hosting a potluck feast for Thanksgiving, with about 30 friends and family joining us at our house.

In our invitation, we announce that we're supplying the turkey, soft drinks, booze and a few other staples, and ask others to bring an appetizer, side dish, dessert, etc. We ...Read more

Dear Annie: I am 60 years old and the mother of five grown children. I raised them mostly on my own after my divorce, and those years were not easy. There were slammed doors, late nights waiting up and more than a few tearful arguments. My daughters, especially during their teenage years, could be painfully cruel with their words. But somehow,...Read more

DEAR ABBY: For the past two years, I have been trying to conceal from my family (with modest success) that I'm asexual. I overhear conversations my parents have been having with my older siblings on the subject of dating, and I'm becoming increasingly frustrated that my experiences have been so different from theirs. I have never dated the same ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been a therapist for over 20 years, and while I've found deep meaning in helping others heal, lately the work has become emotionally exhausting. I listen to people's pain all day, and I can feel it sinking into me. Sometimes I come home completely depleted, with nothing left to give to my own family or myself. I've tried ...Read more