ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently went to see a musical that I had been looking forward to for months. The theater was packed, and the performance was absolutely amazing. About halfway through the show, though, I realized I needed to use the restroom. I tried to hold it until intermission, but eventually I just couldn't wait any longer. Since the theater was dark, I carefully made my way out of my row, trying not to disturb anyone, but as I was walking down the aisle, I didn't see a small step in the dim lighting. Before I knew it, I lost my balance, stumbled forward and fell hard.

The pain was immediate, and as I tried to stand back up, I realized something was seriously wrong with my ankle. An usher came to help me, and I was eventually taken to the lobby, where staff gave me ice and advised me to seek medical attention. It turns out I sprained my ankle pretty badly. Not only did I miss the rest of the show, but I also had to hobble around in pain for days afterward. The theater didn't do anything else for me at all, and I can't help but wonder if legally or morally they should have done more. Am I just being entitled? -- Slip-Up

DEAR SLIP-UP: The theater actually did do something for you: You said they helped you immediately and gave you guidance. It is understandable that you are frustrated, but don't take your feelings out on them. Unfortunately, you chose to get up and walk around in the dark. What happened is your responsibility, not theirs.

DEAR HARRIETTE: Lately, I've noticed that I don't enjoy going out with my friends as much as I used to. A year ago, I would have jumped at the chance to grab drinks, go to parties or stay out late just to have fun and socialize. Now, however, when they invite me out, I often find myself making excuses or feeling relieved when plans fall through. It's not that I don't like my friends -- I still care about them, but I just don't feel the same excitement about going out anymore.

At first, I thought maybe I was just tired or going through a phase, but this feeling has been consistent for a while now. I don't necessarily think this change is a bad thing, but at the same time, I realize that I've eliminated something from my life that used to be a fun outlet for me. Going out gave me a break from stress, let me unwind and helped me feel connected to people. Now that I don't do it as much, I worry that I'm isolating myself or that I might eventually lose touch with my friends altogether. How do I adjust to this change without feeling like I'm missing out or distancing myself from the people I care about? -- Isolated

DEAR ISOLATED: Invite your friends to do other things with you. Host a cocktail party at your home. Call on friends individually to check in. It's OK to evolve. If you want to keep all or just some of your friends, figure out new ways to stay in touch.

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(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

Copyright 2025, Harriette Cole

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