ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: My close friend and I are both actively seeking employment in the same city and industry. We both recently lost our jobs at the same company and have been looking for about two months now. We live in New York City and have a shared circle of friends we are networking with and asking around for open positions. It seems to have ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: While my best friend and her partner do not believe in traditional marriage, they went to city hall following the birth of their child to ensure the family enjoyed the associated legal protections and privileges. There was no celebration, no announcements, and she told me directly that they did not want any gifts, although she...Read more

Dear Annie: When the time comes -- hopefully I pass before my loving husband and faithful partner of nearly 25 years, but if not -- I could use a few words of advice as to how to deal with my estranged step-daughter, her bitter mother (both vultures) and her young children who I've never met due to an unresolved falling out many years ago.

I ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My mom always catered to my dad when I was growing up. I was left to pretty much raise myself. Their drinking and social life were their priorities. I ended up pregnant at 16 and married to an abusive 21-year-old man, and I was divorced at 17.

After that, I was on my own. Mom never helped other than writing an occasional check so my ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently returned to the United States after studying abroad, and I have a whirlwind of emotions following my departure from the city that became my temporary home. I am sad to leave the friends I made from all over the world, and I'm also leaving behind a guy I connected with.

During my time abroad, I met an incredible guy ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: We were scheduled to have dinner with two friends at the tail end of a fun week -- several days of entertainments, parties, drinking and late nights. When the day of our dinner date came up, my wife and I were so miserable that we had to cancel our dinner plans. Eating another bite of food was the last thing we wanted to -- or...Read more

Dear Annie: My sister "Emily" and I were planning a joint celebration for our parents' 40th wedding anniversary, but we've hit a snag. Emily wants to host a large party with all of our extended family and friends, but I think that a more intimate gathering would be more special and less stressful for our parents. They are both pretty reserved,...Read more

DEAR ABBY: Today I ironed and folded my late husband's lucky fishing shirt and placed it into a box going to Goodwill. Continuing with the task, I matched up 14 pairs of my good merino wool socks, most of which had been gifts from him in times that were not so flush. After three months, I have finally moved the box containing his ashes from the ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I feel like I'm drowning in my empty home. My kids have all grown up and moved out, leaving a quiet house behind. My husband seems to be married to his work and spends more time at the office than at home. With everyone gone, all I have left is our puppy. I adore our furry friend, but obviously, he doesn't speak the same language...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a co-worker who consistently spreads misinformation in order to get out of doing her job. She often makes up policies that don't exist to try to trick other departments into doing her work (even when that means the work gets done incorrectly by people not trained for it).

In the past, I've tried printing out policies ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've been happily married for over 12 years, but lately, I've noticed a growing distance between my husband "Bryan" and me. He's always been a bit of a workaholic, but it's gotten to the point where even on weekends, he's either at the office or on his phone dealing with work-related issues. We used to enjoy things like hiking and ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I recently married "John," the love of my life. I have a great relationship with my mother-in-law, "Sarah." She and my father-in-law are retired and well-off financially. For each special occasion, John and I thoughtfully select gifts for his parents, and we have spent extra to ensure that our gifts convey our love and appreciation ...Read more

DEAR SUSAN: This is one woman's comments on the 31-year-old man (who has never been married and is successful professionally) with a puzzling situation. He wrote for your opinion because the woman he's dating has a young child and complains that he puts his friends and freedom first.

I feel I must weigh in on this matter. I think he should put ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: The tipping culture in the United States is puzzling to me as someone from Japan, where tipping is not customary. In Japan, tips can imply that the employer does not provide adequate wages.

After moving to New Orleans, I discovered that tipping was expected for various services, including food, transportation and even coffee. ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I enjoy cooking and setting a nice table, and my spouse and I often invite several couples over for dinner. After the meal, I have come upon a problem: I don't feel right clearing the table for able-bodied adults of equal status to me.

In the past, I joined in clearing family members' dishes as a sign of respect for my in-...Read more