Dear Readers: Today’s Sound Off is about unwanted baby-sitting duties.

Dear Annie: My husband and I moved to another state following our retirements a few years ago. We moved to a resort town six hours away from my brother “Billy” and his wife, “Patty.” We encouraged them to visit, but they gave one excuse after another. Billy eventually told me that they were …

Keep your back straight!

NEW YORK — A new museum opening at the Statue of Liberty is giving visitors another opportunity to explore its history and the impact the iconic structure has had on the world.

Dear Annie: I am in my 80s and recently lost my beloved sister-in-law, who was 90. She married my brother when I was just a child, and we had been close ever since. Aside from the many things I did for her, I loved her dearly as she was the last of my ties to my brothers, who have all passed…

Dear Heloise: Do I really need to spay or neuter my pets?

Dear Heloise: After graduation from college, my two girlfriends and I want to backpack through Europe. The problem is that we need to stay in some very cheap places (other than park benches). Any suggestions?

Dear Annie: I’ve been in this relationship for five years now, and my boyfriend, “Steve,” still puts his adult daughter, “June,” before me. I’m a parent, and I understand their relationship to a certain point, but there are boundaries crossed. June is 29. Every time she’s in a relationship, …

Animal ID No.: A5272354

Dear Annie: I’ve been with my significant other for five years. We’re each other’s “person.” I’m more comfortable with him than I’ve ever been with anyone else, but there’s a catch. We’ve noticed a trend: that I’m better at taking care of myself when he’s not around. It’s not a conscious thi…

The reason I’ve never become an advice columnist is that I don’t have scientifically-based facts arcing through my brain.

Here are the puzzles for May 16, 2019.

Dear Annie: My husband and I have very different television interests. I tend to prefer prestige shows that require significant time and attention commitment. He tends to enjoy brainless sitcoms. He says he doesn’t have the attention span to sit and watch many of the large-scale prestige sho…

May seems to be full of holidays and iffy weather. According to one forecaster I heard, it is also the worst month of the year for getting storms. Just when I was starting to get warm enough to go outside without a heavy jacket the wind kicks up so hard that it would blow me off my feet if I…

Dear Readers: To rent a home or to buy? That is the question. Here are some factors to think about:

Dear Annie: I’ve been working as professional for more than 10 years, and I’m arriving at the point in my career where I’m now responsible for spending more time meeting with clients. I’m excited for my continued growth and success, and I’m always seeking ways to grow. I have a handful of me…

The Mental Health of America declares May a Mental Health Month.

Dear Readers: Today’s Sound Off is from a schoolteacher who claims students lack discipline:

WASHINGTON — The young models and the candy-colored graphics that helped propel Juul to the top of the e-cigarette market are gone. In their place are people like Carolyn, a 54-year-old former smoker featured in new TV commercials touting Juul as an alternative for middle-age smokers.

Dear Annie: My oldest is about to graduate from high school, and we are celebrating with a party. We plan on having our daughter write out a thank-you card to those who give her a gift and help celebrate her big day. However, last year, at several parties we attended, there was a sign that r…

Dear Annie: Over the years, I’ve read a number of beautiful Mother’s Day poems and notes in Ann Landers’ column. One that stood out began with something about a “one-in-a-million Mom” from her kids. It reminded me of my mom. Another one talked about a mom and dad getting ready for bed. That …

Dear Annie: I am an older gay man. The bullying started when I was young. The boys in the neighborhood didn’t want me around because I was lousy at sports. The girls didn’t want any boys around while they were playing. When I started school, it wasn’t any different. Bullying increased with j…

The right way to stake trees

Dear Annie: I’m caught in a cycle of being too busy, tired and stressed out to ask my family for help with household chores. My husband tries, and he helps a bit, but the kids only chip in a little when I ride them. I’ve tried schedules, rewards and taking away privileges. But in the end, it…

In 1949, I arrived in Antelope Valley to begin what has become 70 years of practicing journalism through thick and thin.

Dear Heloise: I always enjoy reading your hints in The (Alton, Illnois) Telegraph, but here is my hint for you: When you hear a sound that resembles the noise a cricket makes, it’s time to check your smoke detectors. They probably need a new battery. One way to make sure you never have a dea…

Dear Annie: I am in a relationship with a 71-year-old woman. I am 72. We have a lot in common and our relationship has moved toward moving in together. We have been intimate, but there is no passion on her part. Even after extensive foreplay, she has no passion. She just lies there. She neve…