Dear Annie: I just wanted to say thank you for keeping an open mind.

I’ve noticed that, on different occasions, readers sometimes challenge you or want to “add to” some of your answers based on their education or personal experiences.

You are willing to keep an open mind and welcome the input. For that, I say, BRAVO!

Of course, not all of the input is valid, and some is downright silly, but for the most part, it is good advice and, along with your answers, helps me step out of my comfort zone and rethink issues I can apply to my own life.

Great job! Keep up the good work! — Very Impressed in New Mexico

Dear New Mexico: Thank you from the bottom of my heart. When anyone, including advice columnists, thinks they have all the answers, run a hundred miles. We are all doing the best we can, but being infallible is neither promised nor expected — nor is it possible.

Dear Annie: I read with loving interest the letter from “Grieving Father” on the loss of his son. His suggestions were spot on. I would like to offer him my prayers during this very hard time, as I lost my daughter six years ago.

Family I do not have; they are with our Lord also. My memories are my therapy, and I also get counseling, which helps.

Keep strong in your faith, and remember your son always with a smile on your face. My very best to you and yours. — Very Grieving Mom

Dear Grieving Mom: Thank you for addressing the grieving father. There is life as you knew it before you lost a child and life after. The life after is forever altered. It is my hope that, as a community, we continue to help those who are grieving or suffering and show them kindness, empathy and love.

Dear Annie: My husband and I have been married for a long time, and he is a great guy. However, when it comes to my 80-year-old mom, it’s another story.

Mom has dementia and says many things that are incorrect or confusing. My husband constantly corrects her in a condescending way. I know he does love her, but this makes for very uncomfortable situations.

Please offer some guidance. — Frustrated Peacemaker

Dear Frustrated Peacemaker: Sometimes people react rudely or impatiently when they are scared. If your husband truly loves your mom, maybe he has a lot of sad and scared feelings about her dementia and does not know how to properly deal with those feelings. Point this out to him, and ask him to be kind to her — right or wrong — when she gets things confused.

If he continues to be short with your mother, well, then maybe he is just a louse and you have to keep him away from your mother until he learns how to treat people kindly. You might want to seek professional counseling or join a support group for those living with people who have dementia.

Dear Annie: After nine years of waiting for him to propose, I finally decided to take matters into my own hands and popped the question myself. His response? He said he’d need to “see what his finances look like” — and then a week later, he broke up with me via text.

Looking back, it’s painfully clear: If he doesn’t ask, he doesn’t want to.

What are your thoughts on situations like this? Should women ever propose, or does this only set them up for heartbreak if the feelings aren’t mutual? — Women Proposing

Dear Proposing: First and foremost, it sounds like you dodged a bullet. Thank goodness he didn’t say yes. With that being said, I don’t think there is anything wrong with a woman proposing to a man. We are living in 2025.

It shouldn’t matter who pops the question, as long as both people are ready and willing to commit. However, your experience highlights an important truth: If one partner isn’t fully invested or ready, no proposal — no matter who makes it — can change that.

This situation taught you a valuable lesson, which is that actions speak louder than words. If someone isn’t showing consistent effort or commitment, it’s often a sign that they may not be ready for the relationship you deserve.

You deserve someone who’s as excited about building a future with you as you are with them.

Dear Annie: I have two grown children who are doing well, both married, and one is expecting my first grandson. I’m a widow; their dad passed away 10 years ago. We all live in different cities, and I speak with my daughter weekly and with my son monthly.

For Christmas, my daughter usually travels, and my son spends it with his wife’s family, leaving me alone. A few years ago, I rented a condo for us to meet, but no one showed up, so I decided not to try that again. They said they were busy with their in-laws.

I’ve continued to send gifts for birthdays and Christmas, but I rarely get acknowledgment unless I follow up. I never receive gifts in return — just a card from my daughter at Christmas, the same one she sends to everyone.

They’re financially secure, while I live on Social Security and work part-time. Is it OK to stop sending gifts for birthdays and Christmas and just send a thoughtful card instead? — Feeling Overlooked

Dear Feeling Overlooked: It’s no wonder you’re feeling overlooked — because, unfortunately, that’s exactly what’s happening. Yes, it’s perfectly fine to stop sending gifts, but the issue isn’t really about the presents. The real concern is the lack of shared experiences and meaningful connection with your children.

Have you considered asking why you’re not included in their family gatherings, such as spending Christmas with your son’s in-laws? Rather than focusing on stopping gift-giving, use this opportunity to have an open and honest conversation with your children. Let them know how much it would mean to you, as their widowed mom, to be included in more family events.

EDITOR’S NOTE: “Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book — featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.