ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a college student in New York City, and I work part-time for a beauty store that carries dozens of brands. A brand owner and CEO came into my boutique the other day and spoke with both me and my manager. I jokingly told the owner that if he ever needs a marketing intern to let me know, and we exchanged information. When he ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am wondering what to say when I meet new people and they question my first name. I have always accepted whatever name someone calls himself, whether it's conventional like John or Steven or a nickname like Cookie, Corky, R.J. or Button.

I would consider it rude to ask the person what their "real" name is or what the ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've never written an advice column before, but I honestly don't know where else to turn.

My mother is elderly, physically frail and becoming increasingly confused. Earlier this year, she developed pneumonia and was so sick she could barely function. Her longtime boyfriend, who'd spent years neglecting, stealing from and verbally ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I've been with my husband, "Ted," for nearly 15 years, married for 11. He has two children, 38 and 33, and I have one who is 32. When we started dating, none of our children planned to have children of their own. I made it clear from the start that I have no desire to be a grandma. I'm a teacher and work with kids all day, every day, ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I went out shopping yesterday, and I ended up in a huge fight with my husband -- but not for the reasons you think. My husband started a new job recently. His previous job called for him to be in a uniform almost always, but this new role calls for business casual attire. Based on what I've been seeing him put on in his first few...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: How does one politely respond to someone who hijacks a compliment about an item of jewelry and basically turns it into an appraisal?

When a guest asked me about my necklace, I responded that it is a Jerusalem cross, that the gems are opals and that it is a treasured gift from my mother from her recent trip to Jerusalem. My ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've been married to a wonderful man for 30 years. His family has always made me feel like an outsider -- rude, dismissive, the works.

Ten years ago, I finally stepped back from them. We reconnected briefly five years ago when his father passed, mostly with his mother, but this year they've slid right back into their old habits. ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: Do charities and nonprofits share or sell donor information? For years, maybe decades, I've made quarterly contributions to two well-known charities for children's cancer research hospitals, and I truly believe in what they do. However, over the last few years, I have started receiving an increasing number of requests for money.

One ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter is dating a man who is 17 years older than her, and I am livid. I told her that neither of them is likely in the relationship for honest reasons as he is a wealthy man and she is in her mid-20s.

I don't want to meet this man, but my daughter wants me to. She insists that I am judging their relationship before I've ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Men often do not have a tuxedo to throw on for a wedding. If they do, it is likely embarrassingly out of date. They often need to rent one for $200 to $400 -- if one is even available in their size, and it still might need alterations.

That is a lot for a guest! I chose to purchase an economical black suit to wear as a ...Read more

Dear Annie: My granddaughter has a boyfriend who keeps cheating on her -- three times now, and those are only the times I know about. Each time, she takes him back, swearing he's changed. I'm old enough to know how that story ends.

She's smart and kind, and I hate watching her with someone who doesn't treat her the way she deserves. I've ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have been widowed for seven years. My husband served in the Air Force in Saigon during the conflict in Vietnam. We met and married shortly after he returned from his hitch overseas. We had two daughters together.

Recently, my older daughter was notified through social media that she has a half-sister, "Leiba," from a woman her ...Read more

The unmarried are in a global revolution, largely unheralded by our media, that has -- without fanfare but with unerring grace and dignity -- moved most of the world's developed countries to adopt laws giving them broad rights and protection. It is a sad irony that America, known for its pioneering spirit and respect for human rights, is still ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My son is having a difficult time finding a job after graduating with his computer science degree. He graduated last May and still hasn't been able to land a job after applying to more than 400 job postings. He has been beside himself with anxiety, stress and embarrassment. Not being able to find a job has heavily affected his ...Read more