ArcaMax

Dear Annie: I am struggling with what feels like a small thing, but it weighs on me. I have several great-nieces and great-nephews, and over the years I've tried to remember birthdays with cards, little gifts or even just a phone call. Lately, though, I feel overwhelmed. Between the number of children, the cost of presents and my own busy life...Read more

DEAR ABBY: Two years ago, a close friend of my husband's and mine asked us to be the "best couple" in their wedding. After being postponed for a year due to some family issues, the wedding is coming up soon. My husband and I have been married 25 years. We have a strong, faithful bond.

Last weekend, we were informed that we won't be paired ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend and I have shifted from talking and texting most days to interacting only via social media. It didn't happen overnight, but at some point, I felt as though I was always initiating communication. I was in a tough season recently, and when I didn't have it in me to call or text loved ones, I realized I didn't hear ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Dinner parties and entertaining are not the only currencies of friendship.

I frequently gave rides to a friend of mine, who later bought a nice home and began hosting dinner parties. I assumed she was throwing these dinners as thank-yous for those of us who had chauffeured her around for decades, but no -- she was bummed that...Read more

Dear Annie: I have recently become acquainted with an older gentleman who is about the same age as my father would have been, well over 100. He is surprisingly active for his age, much more than I am, since I deal with some mobility challenges. We have gone out to lunch a few times, and I have even driven him to different events because he ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: Six months ago, my oldest child died in a horrific car accident. Our family went into a sort of hibernation for several months, mourning and trying to deal with the sadness of the situation.

Now the kids are back in school, and I'm starting to work again. I'm interacting with a lot of people I haven't seen since before the accident ...Read more

The hour or two before sunrise was the hardest time with a newborn. When the schedule was two to three hours between feedings, it was the last stretch that felt the longest. You watch the clock and calculate how long until the next one, your mind foggy but still somehow alert to every rustle and sigh. Sunrise meant survival; one more day ...Read more

Dear Annie: I am writing about a friendship that has left me hurt and confused. My husband and I have known this couple for many years. He has been our friend for decades, and when he remarried, we welcomed his new wife with open arms. She and I became close quickly; we shopped together, met for coffee and had long phone conversations.

But ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I text my older sister often. Last month, I sent her a long message consisting of information and chitchat. To my surprise, it was not answered by her, but by her daughter (who I am not fond of). My message was not meant for her daughter, and although the information it contained was not critical or embarrassing, I am offended that my...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I think my son may be harboring some resentment toward me. We have a strained relationship, and even though I want us to be closer, the distance seems intentional on his end. If I try asking questions, he gets defensive or gives short responses only, and sometimes it turns into an argument or disagreement. On more than one ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My daughter acted poorly and has now been distancing herself from one of her good friends. This is the second time in a few years she has done this.

I've spoken to her for weeks, trying to get her to apologize and mend their relationship. My daughter has now reached out to her friend, saying she wants to be friends again. The...Read more

Dear Annie: I've been married for 28 years, and I'm starting to feel like my husband doesn't love me as much anymore as he once did.

We talk and get along, but it feels like we are more friends instead of lovers. We used to make love all the time. But since we moved in with his dad to take care of him, I'm lucky if we make love once a week. ...Read more

DEAR ABBY: I'm having a problem with my sister, who visits me on the average of once a month. She lives four hours away. Her friend and her husband accompany her. They are my only company. I used to enjoy them but no longer. After their visits, stuff is always missing from my house -- a hairbrush, my dog's electric nail file, random dishes and ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: For many years, I worked in corporate America with a strict 9 to 5, Monday through Friday schedule. Recently, I made the switch -- as the economy demanded -- to working freelance. I now work in media and do a lot of event-based work. It is way more fast-paced, and my schedule is completely different every single day. I quite ...Read more

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am writing this on a flight to Dallas after the flight attendant just served my soft drink. Is it just me, or are other airline passengers just as irritated by the way these drinks are served?

More often than not, the attendant will stand in the aisle, check the drink order list, then grab the top of the cup with their ...Read more

Dear Annie: I've been close friends with "Tina" for over 25 years. We've raised our kids together and supported each other through losses and hard times. But in the last year or so, things have shifted. Tina has become increasingly self-absorbed; every conversation circles back to her. If I share something I'm struggling with, she'll respond ...Read more