ArcaMax

DEAR READERS: For years, I used food as a coping mechanism. Whenever I was sad, stressed or heartbroken, I would overeat. I worked hard to break that habit, and I'm proud to say I have a much healthier relationship with food now. Lately, I've noticed that when I'm feeling low, I end up spending lots of money on clothes, shoes and little "treats"...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Elevators have been in existence, I believe, for more than 150 years, but there does not seem to be a system of accepted manners related to them.

It is true that we no longer dance around in the elevator so as to allow all the women to get out before the men. There is, however, pandemonium on first floors, when people wishing...Read more

Dear Annie: I have never been ignorant to the fact that, in my opinion, my parents' marriage sucks. My dad is and has always been controlling and domineering. And my mom just exists and really believes it is her job to just be submissive. (These are people married since the 1950s.)

But the last couple of years, particularly 2020-present, my dad...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been together 30-plus years. When our love was new, it was all smiles, hand-holding and thrills when we saw each other after a long day at work or school. And, I guess, that's normal.

Now, three kids and three grandkids later, we're edging past our mid-50s and there isn't much left. There are no more smiles and ...Read more

Ready for some dares that just might tickle your brain? Well, for openers, I dare you to plan your free time without leaving spaces for possible dates.

I dare you to regard Saturday night -- that holy of holies -- as merely one-seventh of the week. Nothing special. (Beginning to get my point?)

I dare you to plan the week ahead as a unit. ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I think my wife is having bladder issues, but I imagine that may be a sensitive topic, so I'm not sure how to bring it up. Over the past year or so, I've noticed a change in how frequently she needs to use the restroom and the urgency she experiences. There have also been some instances where it seems like she didn't make it to a...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Nearly three decades ago, my husband committed a serious crime. He faced the consequences, served his sentence, and has since built a quiet, responsible life. He has taken full accountability and has worked hard to be a devoted husband and Christian.

Yet even after all these years, whenever his past comes up -- whether ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've read a few letters in your column in which parents wrote about two of their children arguing and wanting there to be peace. And in all of the replies, you have advocated trying to remind people about the good times and work toward building back the relationship.

Generally, in most of these situations, there is one sibling who ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for 40 years and share the same friendships -- joint, his and mine. We have camped, hosted parties and traveled with the same friends. My problem is my husband says I'm not allowed to speak privately with the males in our group unless I first confirm with him what I'm talking about. He also gives me ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: Last year, I helped my close friend through a tough time when she was struggling financially and feeling lonely, but now that she's in a better situation, she has completely stopped talking to me. I was not only a friend who was there for her emotionally, I also supported her financially. She had recently gotten divorced and lost...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am still not inured to the rampant trend of women tattooing their hands, feet, arms, backs and even faces. I don't believe at all that I am old-fashioned, but defacing one's body will never be attractive.

What am I to say to a woman -- "What a pretty tattoo. It really enhances your dainty feet"?

GENTLE READER: And what ...Read more

Dear Annie: Here's my dilemma: I moved back into my dad's house several years ago, and he has been good friends with "Chuck" and his wife "Rose" for at least 20 years. He goes out to dinner with them regularly and often has them over to the house for drinks and cards.

Well, about seven years ago, Chuck was sent to prison for molesting his very ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My young daughter and I had the pleasure of spending three months with my parents while my husband was deployed. We had a lovely visit, but over the course of our stay, I noticed my parents were spending more time on their phones than previously. Both are retired and in their mid-60s.

I'm glad they are keeping up with technology, but...Read more