Life Advice
/Health
Heartbroken Sister Seeks Reconciliation After Argument
DEAR HARRIETTE: My sister and I have not spoken for a few months, and I'm really heartbroken over it. We've always been close, but an argument has driven us apart. The fight started because she feels like I never let her finish speaking when we have conversations. I admit that I can get excited or passionate when we're talking, and sometimes I ...Read more
Boyfriend's Privilege Comment Sparks Heated Argument
DEAR HARRIETTE: My boyfriend and I recently got into a huge fight, and I'm still feeling upset about it. During our argument, he called me privileged, and it really struck a nerve. I've worked hard for everything I have in life. I grew up in a small town with parents who loved me deeply but didn't have much to their name. I put myself through ...Read more
Boyfriend Overwhelmed By Family At Thanksgiving Dinner
DEAR HARRIETTE: This Thanksgiving was an absolute disaster. I've been dating my boyfriend for a year, and this holiday felt like the perfect time to introduce him to my family. I was nervous because, while I love them, my family is known to be a little unconventional. They're loud, opinionated and tend to say exactly what's on their minds, no ...Read more
Friend's Marathon Stories Overwhelm Group Conversations
DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend recently ran her first marathon, and while we're all super proud of her accomplishment, it has completely taken over every conversation. Whether we're at brunch, hanging out or texting in our group chat, she always brings the topic back to her training, the race itself or how she's already planning for the next one. At ...Read more
Friends Search For Family After Man's Death
DEAR HARRIETTE: I just learned that a friend of mine "Arthur," passed away. Tragically, another friend figured it out and had the police do a wellness check. The paramedics discovered Arthur's body and took him away, but no one ever called my friend back. My friend called around until he learned that Arthur had died.
Now we are searching for ...Read more
Former Army Brat Struggles To Form Lasting Connections
DEAR HARRIETTE: I grew up as an army brat, and while there were many positives to that experience, it also came with significant challenges that I'm still grappling with as an adult. My family moved frequently during my childhood -- sometimes multiple times within a single year.
Each time we moved, I had to leave behind friends, schools and ...Read more
Reader Determined To Conquer Fear Of Heights
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have always had a fear of heights, which has made me hesitant to try things that involve being up high. However, one item on my bucket list has been going skydiving in Dubai, and I'm determined to conquer this fear. I know that facing my fear head-on would be a huge personal achievement, but the idea of jumping out of an ...Read more
Woman's Behavior Negatively Influences Nieces
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been fighting with my sister about her behavior around me and my family for years, and it's reached a breaking point. I have two daughters, ages 7 and 9, and every time their aunt comes to visit, I'm left feeling frustrated and upset. My sister has a habit of using crude language, making inappropriate jokes and displaying ...Read more
Parent Concerned By Daughter's Social Media Obsession
DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter has become consumed by social media and seems to measure her worth by the number of likes and comments she receives on her posts. Initially, she just wanted to learn how to use social media to promote and sell her collections, such as bags and shoes, but it's now affecting her self-esteem. My family and I have noticed...Read more
Pet Lover Left With Neighbor's Cat
DEAR HARRIETTE: I really love pets, especially cats, and I always make sure they're well taken care of by taking them to the nearest vet to keep them healthy and safe. Recently, my neighbor asked me to look after her cat for what she said would be a few days, but it's now been four weeks, and she still hasn't returned. While I love animals and ...Read more
Eldest Child Defies Family Expectations
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a 30-year-old woman, and my parents are constantly pressuring me to get married. The truth is, I don't want to -- ever. I've made a conscious decision to focus on my own passions, dreams and personal growth instead of pursuing a traditional path. However, this choice has been met with disappointment from my family, ...Read more
Roommate Drags Friend Into Conflict With Girlfriend
DEAR HARRIETTE: My roommate and his girlfriend constantly bicker, and I always end up being dragged into the middle of their arguments. It's frustrating because I feel like I'm being forced to pick sides when I don't even want to be involved at all. To make matters worse, I can't help but feel bad for his girlfriend because, frankly, my roommate...Read more
Shy Reader Contemplates Taking Friendship To Romance
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been friends with this guy for two years, and over time, I've started to feel like our connection might be more than just friendship. He's always been kind, thoughtful and supportive, and I really enjoy spending time with him. Lately, I've caught myself looking at him differently and wondering if he feels the same way ...Read more
Emotional Attachments Hinder Decluttering Efforts
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been trying to declutter my home for months, focusing on makeup, dresses and other items that no longer serve a purpose, but I keep getting stuck. Every time I start sorting through my belongings, I find myself emotionally attached to certain things, even though they're no longer necessary. The challenge is especially ...Read more
Messy Roommate Causes Tension In Shared Space
DEAR HARRIETTE: I've rented a bed space in Manila, Philippines, while pursuing my master's degree, and I share the space with a roommate. While I appreciate having someone to share the rent, her habit of leaving a mess in our shared bedroom area is becoming unbearable. I am the type of person who always wants to maintain a clean and tidy space -...Read more
Partner's Phone Use Disrupts Family Bonding Time
DEAR HARRIETTE: My partner has become increasingly glued to his phone, even during family time with our child. It's frustrating to feel like he's prioritizing his screen over meaningful moments together, especially since we already have limited time to connect due to our busy schedules. To address this, I decided to implement a no-phone rule ...Read more
New Mom Struggles With Guilt And Exhaustion
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a new mother, and I feel like I can't do anything right. I just had a baby boy, and while I love him more than anything, the adjustment to motherhood has been painful and difficult for me. It seems like no matter how hard I try, I'm always falling short, whether it's soothing my baby when he cries, keeping up with housework ...Read more
New Family Overwhelmed By Unwanted Opinions
DEAR HARRIETTE: When I got pregnant later than expected, people started asking why it took my husband and me so long to have a baby. Soon, many began offering their opinions, suggesting that we should have more children. I feel overwhelmed by all the comments, especially since they don't understand our situation. It's as if they think they have ...Read more
Parents Struggle With Financially Dependent Adult Sons
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a 60-year-old mother of two adult sons, ages 38 and 32. Both of them are completely dependent on my husband and me for financial support. My husband and I have always been relatively well-off, and we never hesitated to provide them with everything they needed and wanted as they grew up. I felt it was a way to show our love ...Read more
Thanksgiving Reflections On Family, Love And Gratitude
DEAR READERS: Happy Thanksgiving! This time of year is always a favorite for me as it stands for family, community, good food and positive energy. I believe we all can appreciate a big dose of all of that right now! I trust that you are choosing to put yourself in the company of people who love you. There is nothing better than experiencing love...Read more