ArcaMax

About two-thirds of the way through every meeting with a new client, I get to the part about what qualities or traits they might be looking for in a partner—physical, mental, etc. (The first, longer part is dedicated to learning about the client so I can write the best online dating profile possible.) From their answer to this question, it’s...Read more

Dear Eric: My husband had Alzheimer’s and spent his last couple of years in memory care in a retirement community where many friends live. We had been very close to these folks in the past, and my husband remained so delighted to see them, even if he couldn’t remember names and events.

They visited seldom or not at all, although you could ...Read more

Dear Eric: My husband and I have been married for 11 years. When we got married, he was slightly hard of hearing. The past few months his hearing has gotten worse to the point that I have to raise my voice and repeat several times for him to hear me. He then accused me of shouting at him and said if I didn't mumble he could hear me. He further ...Read more

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Traces of Mexican and Chinese cultures are evident in every corner of the Salinas’ family Woodland, California, home.

In the living room, Chinese history books, paintings and dolls share space with family photos and high school diplomas. The family calls this area the “Chinese room,” said Jesse, a first-generation ...Read more

Dear Eric: I am a widower in my mid-70s. No family, no kids. Multimillionaire; drive a Maserati; am social; look (if friends are truthful) 20 years younger; well-traveled. But I have no friends. Lots of acquaintances, bartenders, wait staff whose attention I enjoy, but no one I feel close to. Don't suggest church, as I am a secular humanist. I ...Read more

Dear Eric: I met this wonderful lady a year ago on a dating site. We hit it off and have been together ever since. We enjoy the same things. We spend the weekends at each other's houses. I love her, and she loves me.

The issue is intimacy. While I enjoy the closeness, holding hands, hugging, cuddling on the couch, I just don't enjoy sex with ...Read more

Dear Eric: I grew up in a hoarding house. My childhood was a nightmare of shame and helplessness. As soon as I was able, I got out of that house.

I now own my own home with my husband. We make it an inviting and clean space. But my parents continue to live that way, and no one can go to the house. If family comes from out of town, I have to ...Read more

Dear Eric: My husband thinks husbands and wives shouldn't travel separately unless absolutely necessary, that solo trips just open the door for all kinds of issues such as infidelity. (He's speaking from personal experience.) As a travel agent, I'd often enjoyed solo travel before we were married, including while we were dating, and I miss it. I...Read more

DENVER -- If eyes are windows to the soul, then the eyes in William Stoehr’s paintings convey the isolation and despair that come with addiction and depression. They are lonely and haunting, especially in one of the pieces he painted of his late sister.

Her eyes are dark and sunken. Perhaps she has been crying. In the bottom left corner, ...Read more

Dear Eric: I am a 63-year-old female who has been married for 45 years to a wonderful man. We’ve been blessed with a great relationship but the last two years I’ve developed a phobia about riding or driving a car on the highway. I’m fine on city streets and residential streets, but when getting on the highways I have started to have ...Read more

Dear Anna,

I’m a 21-year-old woman, and I’ve been with my boyfriend for almost two years. We’re really happy together, but there’s one huge problem: His family does not like me. I’ve tried everything to make a good impression — bringing thoughtful gifts, offering to help with family dinners and always being polite. But no matter ...Read more

Many of us have heard the phrase “define the relationship,” often shortened to “DTR.” One might say, “We had the DTR talk,” or “We DTR’d it.” But it turns out that one person’s DTR talk is another person’s confusion… often when those two people are in the same exact relationship!

Every Monday on Instagram, I host “Ask ...Read more