A gust of wind sent a blizzard of white flakes past the picture window last weekend. The wall of white wasn’t snow, rather the fluttering petals from the blooming Callery pear tree in the front…

Dear Carolyn: My mother-in-law is on oxygen, is wobbly on her feet, can’t hear or see very well, and is understandably forgetful. She lives by herself and refuses to have anyone help her except me.…

Adapted from an online discussion. Hi, Carolyn: My mom recently remarried after divorcing my dad two years ago. I’m 16 and an only child, and I live with my mom and new stepfather. He’s older,…

During our most recent family movie night, we watched one of my favorites: “Encanto.” At one point in the movie, a character who has been gifted supernatural strength confesses that she fears she will crumble…

As gardeners, it seems we are all looking for an ideal potting mix for our houseplants and containers. As with any gardening endeavor, a lot depends on what is available, the plants you are growing,…

Adapted from an online discussion. Dear Carolyn: My son is a college graduate with a job as a bartender. I get embarrassed telling people what he does when they ask. Help me. — Embarrassed Embarrassed:…

Hi, Carolyn: I am 29 and single. I have a very strong mother, who raised me to treat women with respect. I was taught women are strong, intelligent and independent. And that women don’t need…

Carolyn Hax is away. The following first appeared in 2010. Hi, Carolyn: I’ve always considered myself an independent person. I am a married, full-time working mother of two young children, so I’ve got my hands…

Carolyn Hax is away. The following first appeared Jan. 10, 2010. Dear Carolyn: When my boyfriend and I get into arguments, he inevitably says, “Maybe we shouldn’t be together,” or, “There are obviously compatibility issues.”…

Adapted from an online discussion. Dear Carolyn: My partner and I are blending families. We each have two kids within the 5 to 10 range. It’s going well for the most part, but sometimes it…