Dear Annie: My grandfather was violently abusive to his wife, and then his daughter (my mother), and then to me. He was also very racist — he punished me for having a black friend in grade school — and just generally cruel. Now, his health is not so good, and his old age has mellowed him ...

Just think about it: a clothing item that permanently disfigures a body part, encouraging nerve growths that set off shooting pain. Fashionwise, it telegraphs sexual availability. And amazingly, some employers demand that their female workers wear this cause of physical agony to the ...

Dear Annie: I hope this is not out of your area, but I have a parking-related question for you. We have a neighbor who always says, “Don’t park in front of my house.” This guy and his family are not very polite, and they will run outside and start arguments and create scenes if you try to ...

Dear Annie: As much as I hate to admit it, I think about divorce practically every day. Divorce, however, isn’t something I want. What I want is for my husband to understand my point of view — which is why I’m writing this letter. He reads your column religiously. Maybe my words will sink ...

“...nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb...” —Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution The government in America is out of control. Last week, this column discussed the unconstitutional efforts of federal prosecutors in ...

Dear Annie: A few years ago, I joined a duplicate bridge group in town and got paired with an older man who had just broken up with his partner. He taught beginner classes and was a great help in getting me up to speed with modern conventions, as it had been years since I’d played. We did ...