Carolyn Hax

A reader finds criticism of a popular book, “The Gift of Fear,” misguided.

Advice Columnist Carolyn Hax takes your questions and tackles your problems.

Advice Columnist Carolyn Hax took your questions and tackled your problems.

A reader’s boyfriend wants a family and kids, but she isn’t sure if he wants them with her.

A reader’s friend made contact after cutting off communications for five years. Can the friendship be revived?

Dividing the estate leaves a survivor wondering if some heirs aren’t showing proper thanks.

The answer: You can’t change her negativity, but you can learn to take away her power to ruin the big day.

How you treat your dog is a good indicator of how you’ll handle kids — in both discipline and affection.

A daughter has seen what her parents’ negativity has done to her brother’s relationship.

One parent is annoyed that another family’s activities seem to dictate when they all can get together.

Advice Columnist Carolyn Hax took your questions and tackled your problems.

She’s financially comfortable and careful. Her boyfriend, not so much. Should they move in together?

The letter writer wants permission to veto a friendship. Does this cross the line of trying to control the situation?

She comes from a quiet upbringing and finds his family overly brash. How can they compromise?

A woman who wants to offer her sister some unsolicited relationship advice needs to back off.

A woman with a high-achieving firstborn wants to help her younger daughter achieve on her own terms.

He says he’s sorry, and she’s wondering if she is giving up too easily.

The letter writer is encouraged to set an example by bringing her son to see her ex’s parents.

Advice Columnist Carolyn Hax took your questions and tackled your problems.

She wants a caring partner, but she has chosen to be with people who are emotionally distant.

A woman wonders what to say to her parents about their cold treatment of her husband of two years.

A neighbor seeks advice after witnessing a parent verbally abusing her child.

A new mother asks what to do about a friend who’s angry that her gift of food was used to aid someone else.

A husband who believes in spanking and a wife who doesn’t: It’s time for a conversation and mutual respect.

Their daughter-in-law can voice appreciative, but scoldings always follow.

A letter writer is frustrated that her dad shares her personal information with his wife.

Advice Columnist Carolyn Hax took your questions and tackled your problems.

The letter writer has grown apart from her husband and wonders when a divorce will be least hurtful.

No childhood is pain-free, but parents can help minimize exposure and damage from hurt feelings.

Half of this couple is tired of feeling they’re not sharing equal effort in planning.