ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently started working as a manager of a bank in New York City, and I'm having a hard time fitting in socially because most of my co-workers come from extremely wealthy families. They often talk about their extravagant weekend plans that include skiing or taking weekend trips. I don't come from this type of money, so it's ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a 37-year-old woman who moved back to my small hometown, where I sporadically run into an old high school teacher. I've greeted her each time as "Mrs. Jones."

While out with some old classmates, we again ran into Mrs. Jones, and I noticed that all of them warmly addressed her by her first name. They told me later that ...Read more

Dear Annie: I have a neighbor whom I used to enjoy very much. We would chat at the mailbox, exchange holiday cookies and occasionally sit on each other's porch for a friendly visit. She was the kind of neighbor everyone hopes to have close by.

Lately, though, things have changed. She now drops by without calling, often at the worst possible ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: A longtime friend recently accused me of lying about my education, and I'm still stunned by it. I completed my undergraduate studies in the U.S., earning a BA, and later earned a master's degree from a French university. Recently, during an exchange on Facebook, my friend asserted, quite confidently, that I was lying about my academic...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband wants to go on a fishing trip for a month up in Canada. I told him no, but he keeps pressing the matter. He works hard and hasn't taken a day off in more than two years, so part of me wants to say yes to him. However, we have two teenage daughters who are heavily involved in sports at high school, and I don't think I ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: What is the polite way to treat a housekeeper in your home? For example, if neighbors or guests come over while she is there, do I introduce her?

Also, if I am serving my guests tea and cake, is it necessary to offer her something, as well? I'm not talking about a whole meal, but when I urge my friends to try the brownies I ...Read more

Dear Annie: I am wondering if I am the only one who feels this way, though I suspect I am not. From the outside, my life looks full. I have family, friends, responsibilities and a calendar that rarely seems empty. Yet somehow, I often feel lonely right in the middle of it all.

I spend so much time taking care of other people, showing up, ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I spent the morning at a close friend's home. She is in her early 80s and starting to show some mental decline and memory problems. Her children are in their 30s and still live at home. Her husband is also in his 80s.

While there, I noticed how, at every opportunity, the kids or husband would make some "innocent" remark about her ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I went on a first date last weekend with the founder of a startup. We went out for dinner and got drinks afterward. I had a great time. He says he wants to keep seeing me; however, he travels a lot for work, so I won't be able to see him again until late next month. I don't know if I want to be with someone who is never around. I...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Less than 48 hours after my husband and I attended a gathering at the home of a couple from our walking group, I received a text from the hostess that read, "I hope you enjoyed the party. Should I assume it was an oversight on your part not to send a thank-you note? We believe we were gracious hosts and would appreciate ...Read more

Dear Annie: I am writing about a friendship that has weighed on my heart for quite some time. I have known this woman for more than 20 years, and in many ways, she has been a loyal and lively part of my life. We have celebrated happy occasions together, seen one another through disappointments and shared the kind of history that is not easily ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I have a neurological disorder and can no longer keep up with my friends (who used to be my friends). I don't explain the problems I have and why I can't do the things I used to do unless they ask. I still drive, but I have trouble walking. I have a wonderful husband who helps me all the time. I'm lucky I can do what I do, but I am ...Read more

The main hall of the convention center had been split into several rows, with dozens of separate tables. The interviewers, career professionals from banks, non-profits, or boards, knew automatically to sit against the temporary canvas walls below a printout of a number. The students would sit across from them. The older men and women knew the ...Read more