ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: About two months ago, I started dating a guy who makes significantly more money than me. Whenever we go out on dates, he always pays. I never offer because of the large pay gap, and I'm more traditional and believe the man should pay for dates. Up until now, he's never said anything about it, so I assumed he was comfortable with ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When writing letters to friends -- and I am of the generation that treats emails like letters -- I am often unsure whether to end the letter with "Love" or "Best."

When my mother was teaching me how to write letters, she said it should always end with "Love, Name" unless it was a business letter, in which case it should end ...Read more

Dear Annie: I never imagined I'd be packing school lunches again at 62.

My husband, "Tom," and I raised our children, worked hard and finally reached that stage where life felt calmer. We downsized, paid off most of what we owed and talked about traveling, volunteering and enjoying a quieter home. Then everything changed.

Last year, our ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: A former boyfriend, "Ray," is an alcoholic. He has been through rehab twice, but it didn't do any good. He won't stop. He keeps saying we'll work it out.

I don't understand why Ray can't get it through his head that I no longer want to be with him. I gave him two chances. Nobody else wants to help him either, including his family.

...Read more

Different silences have built modern America, and we don't like to talk about them. They don't make it into the speeches or even some of the history books. They are the parts that get cut, softened, or turned into something easier to admire.

When we talk about labor rights, we thought we knew the story. Then we learned what Dolores Huerta ...Read more

Dear Annie: I need your advice before I lose my mind.

My husband and I moved into what we thought was our dream home last spring. The street is lovely, the neighbors are friendly, and the yard is just big enough for my tomato plants and a little peace and quiet. The problem is the man next door is a drummer. Not a "taps lightly on a practice ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for decades. My husband, who has always been very overweight, has made many promises to remedy it with no follow-through. He continues to overeat and avoid physical activity, while constantly complaining about aches, pains and fatigue. Frequently, when we go out, he wolfs down his food, and I am left...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband retired last year, and ever since, he has done virtually nothing. He watches YouTube all day long, eats snacks, sits, smokes weed, drinks and complains. He was already becoming somewhat of a curmudgeon in recent years, but now he has gone off the deep end. It's making me crazy. When I say anything to him, it sparks an ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am happily employed by a very low-key, faith-based organization. Community and collaboration are part of our work culture, so leadership encourages our teams to share holy day meals together several times a year. We always pray a simple blessing before we eat.

One of our co-workers is careful, and vocal, about how her food ...Read more

Dear Annie: I live with my almost-30-year-old daughter. She acquired our place through a lawsuit settlement.

She talks to and treats me like I'm a child and tries to control my life. She often reminds me: "This is my place. I run things." I could go on and on, but the bottom line is that she constantly makes me feel uneasy in what's supposed ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My daughter "Kate" is 22 and just recently graduated from college. She has been dating her boyfriend for five years. I love this young man like he was my own.

The problem is, I just found out Kate has been seeing someone on the side. He is her boss, and he's 54 years old! I'm sworn to secrecy because her older sister told me about ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My godson is 22 years old -- soon to be a college graduate beginning his life as an adult. He confides in me about his life, including his dating life. He told me that he is being courted by a woman who is 20 years older than him. She is attractive and has a good job, but I think that's too old. He's just starting his life. This ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What do you do if someone takes your chair? Does it matter if it is the throne of a ruler of great lands?

Let me explain.

My family and I were waiting to be seated at a restaurant and we found a corner of a bench to rest. A few minutes go by, and a little patron (preschool age) came and said, "Hey, you're in our seat!" I ...Read more

Dear Annie: Three months ago, I ended a two-year relationship with my boyfriend. We lived together in my apartment. The breakup was painful and overdue. I've blocked his number and have no interest in reopening that chapter.

The problem is that his mail is still arriving here. Not just catalogs, but things that look important -- a bank ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am in my late 30s. I live halfway across the country from my parents and don't have the best relationship with them. I also have a brother four years younger from whom I have been estranged for 20 years. He lives in the same city as my parents.

My problem is, if I visit, my parents (especially my mom) will tell my brother and ...Read more