DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a mother of two teenage daughters, ages 14 and 16, and their constant fighting is driving me insane. It seems like every day there’s a new argument, whether it’s about sharing clothes, using the bathroom or even the smallest things, such as who gets to sit in the front seat of the car. I’ve tried talking to them individually, having family meetings and setting up rules and schedules to minimize conflicts, but nothing seems to work. The tension in our home is palpable, and I worry that these constant arguments are damaging their relationship beyond repair.

Ronald Reagan had it, Jimmy Carter didn’t. George H.W. Bush had it until he didn’t, and the same can be said for his successor, Bill Clinton. Joe Biden had it, lost it, regained it and lost it again. Donald Trump has it in surfeit.

Itold my husband, Peter, when he first announced the idea, that I thought it was dumb.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently started dating a nice man who is attentive when we are in each other’s company, but he is largely absent during the day. He rarely calls or checks in as the day progresses and generally sends me a text message in the evening. He used to work nights and I think he is still on an odd sleep schedule, but I don’t like it. Being in touch as the day goes on makes me happy. I just got out of a relationship where my partner was more absent than present. I don’t want to bring baggage with me, but this is a bit of a red flag. How can I address this with him without seeming whiny? – Be in Touch DEAR BE IN TOUCH: Your man is not a mind reader. You have to tell him what you want and appreciate in order for him to know. You don’t have to complain about what you didn’t have in the past. Instead, describe the type of interaction that makes you happy. If you want him to call or text you during the day, ask him to do it. Tell him that it makes you happy to be connected to him in that way.