California Dolphin

Dear Amy: I have been friends with “Charlotte” for 35 years. Nine years ago, because we were both widowed we agreed to rent an apartment together. At first it was wonderful. However, she began to criticize and correct me, especially in front of my children and friends. I have repeatedly told her how this makes me feel, but then she says I’m being a child and overreacting. How do I get her to stop? This has affected our friendship to the point where I can’t stand being around her in social settings. She has even done this in front of my clients. We both work in the same office at the beginning of the tax season. Then in January, I move to another office location, which is a relief. Is this a sign of senility, or is she being a bully?  Fed Up Related Articles Advice | Ask Amy: I had no idea what to say about the photo of his teenage daughter Advice | Ask Amy: This photo has me rethinking the mysterious end of our friendship Advice | Ask Amy: I’m the wife

The Orioles called up the best prospect in baseball and became a surprise playoff contender. Might they repeat the former and finish the job? On Monday, Baseball America released its updated list of baseball’s top 100 prospects, with Triple-A Norfolk infielder Gunnar Henderson atop it. The 21-year-old has a .946 OPS for the Tides and has yet to face a pitcher younger than him. He had a relatively quiet July — still posting an .826 OPS — but came out strong in the first week of August, slashing .333/.429/.542 in last week’s series with Nashville. If there’s one qualm in Henderson’s game this year, it’s his performance in left-on-left matchups, hitting .219 with a .702 OPS. But he’s been much better in that regard since joining Norfolk in June, batting a respectable .258/.329/.484. With opportunity seemingly available on the Orioles’ infield, it’s possibly only a matter of time before Henderson joins fellow 2019 draftee and No. 1 overall prospect Adley Rutschman in contributing to Baltimore’s playoff push. But Henderson’s strong week wasn’t even among the top offensive showing this week on the Orioles’ farm. Each

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been talking to my next-door neighbor incessantly, mainly because we have both been at home for two years. When we aren’t working, we are generally having tea or otherwise biding time together. She is very nice, but I know I need to be more mindful of what I say to her. The other day, some friends I hadn’t seen in a long time came over. I invited my neighbor to join us for drinks. As everyone was talking, she jumped right in and participated a little too fully in the conversation because she knew things about my friends that I had told her. Later, they told me it was awkward for them that their personal information was regurgitated by this stranger. It’s my fault, but how do I cut her off now? I have gone too far. Overstepping Related Articles Advice | Harriette Cole: On the brink of divorce, I’ve had a change of heart Advice | Harriette Cole: He got mad because I was dating. Can I ever trust our friendship again? Advice | Harriette Cole: Her hair is so

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I gave birth to my son at age 39. He is biracial, and we don’t look exactly alike. Since he was an infant, complete strangers have approached me to ask how we are related, with no prior conversation or interaction. The question is, invariably, “Hi, is that your grandson?” Most of the time, I say with a straight face and in a monotone, “No, he is my son.” But I resent having to explain to complete strangers how I am related to the child I am with. Since when is it OK to be this forward with complete strangers? I don’t understand why they care. Is there a better way to communicate that their question is rude and intrusive, as well as not provide them with the requested information? GENTLE READER: “Sorry — I’m teaching him not to talk to strangers. I’m sure you understand how important that is these days.” DEAR MISS MANNERS: One of my biggest pet peeves is when I’m using a public restroom and someone comes in while having a conversation on their phone — sometimes even on

DEAR ABBY: We are a couple, married for 46 years. If my husband passes on first, I’m unsure about how to handle any services for him. He has narcissistic personality disorder and, over the course of our marriage, he has made my life a living hell. I have grown to despise him. I need to be respectful of his children and friends. Only a few close women friends know the situation. I want to have a proper remembrance for them that won’t involve too much of my presence. He will be cremated per his request. Can you suggest how I should handle this? CAREFUL IN CALIFORNIA DEAR CAREFUL: Discuss this with the person who will officiate at the memorial service when the time comes. Be as active a participant as you would like. Leaving the eulogizing to the people who loved him — his friends and children — is your privilege. Related Articles Advice | Dear Abby: I’m trying not to flip out about the sisters’ over-the-top texts Advice | Dear Abby: I wrote a letter to the classmates who bullied me, but I never