Dear Annie: People often write to you about their abusive parents. I have a different problem: I was mean to, belligerent toward and critical of my mother. It started long before I was a teenager, but it definitely got worse during those years. I thought I hated her.

Animal ID No.: A5353585

Right now, I’m escaping from the drudgery of the sour political campaigns that clog our mailboxes and flutter across our television screens day and night.

Dear Heloise: My granddaughter is five, and she’s learning to read. I like to sit with her while she’s reading and ask her these questions:

Dear Annie: I am a 65-year-old woman who suffers from insomnia. I exercise regularly, limit my caffeine intake and try to wind down at the end of the day with more relaxing books or TV shows. However, there are still a couple of nights a week when I simply cannot fall asleep.

I cooked a lot of fried rice before I learned to take the frying seriously.

Dear Readers: Did you know that Brussels sprouts are closely related to kale, and are nutrient-dense with high doses of vitamins C and K as well as folate, manganese and potassium? They also contain antioxidants that fight cell damage and certain types of cancer, and are high in fiber. So th…

Dear Annie: Recently, I went to a debate tournament where I gave speeches with other kids on laws that we wrote. When we got back our score sheets with feedback, I found a comment from a judge telling me to smile. I was very upset and angry. I’m a high school girl, and this judge was a dad f…

Dear Readers: Recycling. We all should do it, but do you know what goes in the recycling bin and what doesn’t? Here’s the lowdown:

I just became a grandma!

Dear Annie: My biggest accomplishment in life is my recovery. I’m currently seven years sober, and I have worked very hard to clear my history of self-destruction and rebuild my life into what it is today. I continue to attend recovery meetings and guide other women through the recovery proc…

Sleep, it’s not the most exciting topic. But a report from Tufts University says sleep is the third pillar of health along with diet and activity.

Dear Annie: My wife’s nephew got married about four years ago. It was a destination wedding at a beautiful tropical location. My wife is very close to her sister, so there was no question that we would attend. No expense was spared. We added a week to our family vacation. All of our children…

Dear Readers: Today’s Sound Off is about returns at department stores:

Why has the issue of illegal immigration dominated the conversation in our nation over the years? I believe there are, at least, three reasons the border issue is at the forefront of politics:

Aliya Feroe recalls the flustered OB-GYN who referred her to another physician after learning she identified as queer. For Rhi Ledgerwood, who was designated female at birth, identifies as trans and doesn’t have sex with men, it was a doctor advising about condoms and pregnancy prevention. F…

Dear Annie: I have horrible body odor and halitosis due to a rare medical condition called trimethylaminuria. It makes me emit several odors — mostly rotting food, ammonia and fish. However, there is no medical cure, and I struggle with the condition daily. Lately, with age, I have developed…

Dear Annie: My parents live in a tiny Midwestern town with one restaurant. It’s a mom and pop place with really delicious food, and many of the locals are regulars, including my parents. The owner, “Martina,” is extremely sweet and accommodating and does most of the work including the cookin…

Dear Heloise: What’s the best way to clean the litter box?

Dear Annie: I am a 64-year-old woman. Trying to date seems more difficult as I get older. Seems like most men only want one thing or younger women. I have tried online dating sites with not much luck. I live in a small town, and there aren’t many single men. Do you have any suggestions on wh…

Dear Readers: If the winter blahs are getting you down, here are a few hints to lift your spirits.

Animal ID No.: A5336684

Sherry Roush was born in the Antelope Valley, attended AV High School, AV College, UC-Santa Cruz and grad school at Yale.

Dear Annie: I’ve had my current job for four years. I work at a small company of about 20 employees. My co-worker, “Beth,” has been here about a year longer than me. She joined my department about six months ago. One thing I appreciate about my department is our work-life balance. We care ab…

Dear Readers: Getting the shower stall clean is a necessary job, but is there an easier way to do it? You bet. My homemade cleaning formula is a winner. It’s safe, nontoxic and costs just pennies. Here it is:

Dear Annie: I have never written to a columnist in my 70 years, but “Sad and Somewhat Angry Granny,” whose daughter-in-law wouldn’t allow her kids to open any of the Christmas gifts Granny brought them overseas before Christmas Day, really struck a chord with me.