ArcaMax

Dear Susan: I was widowed in February after being married 35 years. My husband and I married in our 30s, so I do have some experience being single, but now I'm sort of lost. Our marriage was so close we kept our friends at the periphery, which only adds to my problems. Have you some back material I could download or purchase online? Thank you. -...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend and I are professional ballerinas, and we've been dancing together since high school. We've been through so much together -- the long rehearsals, the endless auditions, the excitement of landing roles and the disappointments. Ballet has been a huge part of our lives, and we've always shared that passion.

Recently,...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Our local movie theater offers free refills of popcorn and drinks. My family members insist on getting these refills after every movie to take home with them.

As they get their refills, I stand back and feel embarrassed to be in their party, because I believe the refreshments are meant to be enjoyed during the film. I also ...Read more

Dear Annie: I often read letters from parents and grandparents expressing sadness about not being able to spend holidays with their children or grandchildren, and I'd like to offer a suggestion based on my own experience.

Growing up, my parents divorced when I was young, and holidays were often split between households. However, my mother ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My 18-year-old stepdaughter has decided to date another female. She has dated boys in the past, but that's not the issue. We have nothing against the LGBTQ community. (My husband's brother is gay.) My issue is, should my stepdaughter spend time with her girlfriend in her bedroom with the door closed?

If this were a boy, my husband ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My mom is about to turn 60, which is a huge milestone, and my dad doesn't seem to be planning anything special for her. She's always been the one who goes above and beyond for everyone else in the family, so my siblings and I thought it would be nice for her to have a relaxing spa day. She absolutely loves going to the spa, and ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I got into a spat with the head of social events at an embassy. She is annoyed that I brought my wife as a "plus one" to an embassy event to which I had been invited. It was celebrating a royal birthday.

She insisted that it was a work event -- not one for spouses to attend. I fully accept that for her, it was a work event, ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've had a friend for over 30 years whom I've always helped out. I provided him with work when he needed money, loaned him money, and supported him through his divorce and various other issues over the years. I was always happy to do so and never expected anything in return.

A couple of years ago, he was selling some furniture ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: A year ago, I met a wonderful man on a cruise. We hit it off fabulously, and since we live 1,000 miles apart, we stay in touch primarily by phone -- talking and video chatting. He has come to visit me four times in the past year, and we have taken two trips together. He has met my friends and neighbors and has spoken to my family on ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: When Sean "P. Diddy" Combs was arrested a few weeks ago, the news showed a video of him beating up a woman on a loop, and it disturbed me so much. What happened to that woman was awful, but there was more, and I couldn't figure it out at first. Then I realized that it was triggering for me: When I was younger, my college ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Lately I have noticed an increase in people saying "I appreciate you" instead of "Thank you" or "I appreciate it."

I really don't like it. I hear it fairly often from a co-worker, and I think she is sincere, so I just say "Thank you."

That feels wrong, however. If I just went out of my way to help her, shouldn't she say "...Read more

Dear Annie: I tend not to tell people when they hurt my feelings because it feels rude to correct others' choices. This is especially true when it comes to social invitations. A few weeks ago, I had lunch with someone I consider a very close friend. We see each other a few times a month and have even traveled together. During lunch, they were ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I are both in our mid-50s. Due to a medical issue she has, we rarely have sex. I don't really think about it very often anymore. Meanwhile, I have a friend, "Edie." We have been friends for a good few years now. I met her in my side job as a handyman. She's in her 80s. My wife has met Edie and calls her my "girlfriend" in ...Read more

Over the years, writing in various capacities from public relations to this column, people have referred to me as a journalist, but I'd reply that while I was a trained journalist -- that is, that's what I had one of my undergrad degrees in -- I would defer to those active in the precarious industry. Most of the people I've respected the most ...Read more