ArcaMax

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My parents decided to throw us a housewarming party -- the day after we moved our family of five into a new home. They invited some people around town who'd known me as a kid. They also invited my friends, and then asked them to invite more people. And they brought their own snacks.

We had been cleaning the apartment we had ...Read more

Dear Annie: My husband has been coaching our 8-year-old son's soccer team this season. At first, I thought it would be a great bonding experience for them. Our son is an active, sweet kid who used to spend hours in the yard practicing his kicks and counting down the days until the next game. But now, that excitement is gone -- and I think I ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am 57 and have been married for 32 years to my husband, who retired from his full-time job last year. I still work full time. Since his retirement, he has been going to a bar once a week or so, spending a few hours visiting with the customers and staff.

One of the staff has taken an interest in being his "buddy." My husband is ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: There's this guy I've been seeing, and now that we're official, I've been spending a lot more time at his house. I recently learned about a strange habit of his that I don't appreciate. He works in sanitation and often has early morning shifts. When he leaves for work, he walks outside shirtless. The first time this happened, I ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a gentleman who strives to live a mannerly life. In that regard, when riding public transportation, I offer my seat to ladies who are standing. I also wait for ladies to leave an elevator before me.

Now that I am well beyond retirement age, does that change any expectations and norms? When, if ever, do I keep my seat and...Read more

Dear Annie: I am a 60-year-old divorced mom with three grown children in their 30s. I have spent most of my adult life putting my family first, especially after my marriage ended more than a decade ago. I raised my kids mostly on my own, worked full time and never really dated seriously again. Part of that was fear, and part of it was being ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I live five hours away from my hometown. My mom is 98 and in assisted living there. In recent years, my younger sister has become cruel to our mom and is trying to take advantage of her.

Instead of helping Mom, she does things to deliberately upset her and raise her blood pressure. Two examples: putting dog poop on my recently ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a college student. I am abroad for the summer, and I've made up my mind that I'd like to have a fling while in Europe. I haven't quite mapped out whether I'd rather it be a one-time thing or something ongoing while I'm here, but I do know I'd like to make the most of my experience away. The issue is that I am technically in ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I live in a place where many cultures and nationalities abound. When I was at a restaurant with friends the other day, we were served by a comely waitress.

My friend commented on the beauty of the "Asian waitress," but I thought she was Latina.

Is there a tactful and proper way to ask? Or are we better off not asking such a ...Read more

Dear Annie: I recently hosted a small dinner party at my home for a few close friends -- just six of us, gathered around the table for what I hoped would be a relaxing evening of good food and conversation. I spent the day preparing a nice meal, setting the table with care and making sure everything felt warm and welcoming. But one guest, my ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I am worried about my 21-year-old son, "Travis." He hasn't quite left our home that he shares with me and my husband, but he sleeps here only one or two nights. He's in school part time and works part time, which means working or studying long hours until morning.

What concerns me is where he's staying. He refuses to reveal his ...Read more

Dear America: The Fourth of July was hard this year. The flags still waved, the fireworks still cracked across the sky, but it's an empty celebration when Congress voted for millions to lose health care, when people cheer for humans to be eaten by alligators, and where masked people disappear people off the street, the work site, while gardening...Read more

Dear Annie: My daughter recently got engaged, and while I want to be happy for her, I have serious concerns about her fiance. He's moody and dismissive, and I've seen him speak to her in ways that feel demeaning. She brushes it off and says I'm being overly sensitive. I don't want to ruin our relationship, but I'm struggling to stay silent ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I recently received a voicemail from my brother that recorded a conversation he was having with his wife. It was clear he didn't know he had accidentally dialed my phone during this conversation. It was an argument, which lasted two minutes before there was a pause in the conversation and he hung up.

I haven't addressed it with him ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a friend who is a wine connoisseur. She knows a lot about it and spends a lot of money on it. I don't have that kind of money, but I do enjoy wine and like to serve it when guests visit. I find my friend to be obnoxious about her wine tastes. I see her turn up her nose when she sees my selections. She has taken to bringing...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am wondering if it would be crass or in poor taste to give a new widow a thoughtful sympathy card with money in it, rather than sending flowers.

A dear friend just became widowed in her late 40s after her husband's somewhat lengthy and most unexpected illness.

My friend has been a stay-at-home mom throughout her marriage, ...Read more