DEAR HARRIETTE: My teenage daughter came to me and told me that she wants an intrauterine device before President-elect Trump is sworn in. She told me this has been a popular movement and wants a form of birth control that will outlive the presidency, but she's only 17 years old. I feel like this is too young to be on birth control. She doesn't even have a boyfriend! I told her I would think about it. Should I let my daughter go through with this? We are a conservative family, but I definitely do not want to be an unplanned grandma. -- Five Years of Protection, Baltimore

DEAR FIVE YEARS OF PROTECTION: Your daughter's precautionary concerns bring up many contemplations. On one hand, it may be like the cries of moving to Canada that people on both sides of the aisle threatened if their candidate lost. On the other, there is a question as to whether Roe v. Wade is in jeopardy of being overturned. While no one anticipates or desires that they or their child would have an abortion, if that option goes away, there are serious health implications for sexually active people. All indicators suggest that it will take years to reverse that ruling, if it ever gets removed.

You need to find out more about your daughter's thoughts and experiences. Investigate to find out if she is considering sexual activity. Framing it as protection against the incoming administration could be a real worry -- or it could simply be a way to get birth control. Talk to your daughter's doctor about the use of an IUD and the health implications. Learn everything you can, and then present an informed decision to your daughter. Know that an IUD may prevent pregnancy, but it will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I noticed one of my friends rekindling her relationship with her ex. They were each other's arch nemesis for the past year, and they constantly dragged me into their fights. Them getting back together just feels like trouble. I have been debating removing myself from their circle of friends, but I hope that she might find the light and stop wasting her time with this man. Should I interfere or let her waste the rest of 2016? -- Bad Choices, Philadelphia

DEAR BAD CHOICES: You cannot prevent your friends from getting back together, but you can control your involvement. Rather than telling your friend that you think she is wasting her time, let her know that you refuse to be dragged into the middle of their volatile relationship should they decide to get back together. Spell it out for her: You do not want to know about their interactions, and you do not intend to spend time with the two of them. If she balks, make it clear to her that you care for her deeply, but you also care enough for yourself to refuse to get drawn into their negativity and drama. You must draw the line to protect yourself.

(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 Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a graduating from college in May. I love school and am grateful that I have had summer internships that landed me a job post-graduation. However, I do not have a job now and funds are low. I don't want to work in food service considering I have a nice salary waiting for me after college. My friends have told me to lower my expectations in this city, but if I can get a great salary post-graduation, why can't I get a good one now? -- Broke with Standards, New Haven, Connecticut

DEAR BROKE WITH STANDARDS: Now is a time both to count your blessings that you have a job secured once you graduate and to get realistic. If you need a job now, get what you can get. Don't let your high standards about your future cloud your present. What are the available jobs at your school or in your area? Look online, on community boards -- everywhere you can. Listen carefully to your friends. Rather than dismissing their suggestions, find out from them where the jobs are. In the scheme of things, it doesn't matter at all what job you have for the next few months. It does matter that you have money in your pocket.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a black thumb and have never been able to keep a plant alive in my home. Despite this, my husband still brings home flowers or potted plants. I either drown or drought them. His ex-wife has a luscious greenhouse with a thriving garden, and I am simply not her. How can I tell my husband to quit bringing home plants if I'm just going to end up killing them? He doesn't understand that I only do great with fake plants! -- Black Thumb, San Diego

DEAR BLACK THUMB: Your husband likely grew accustomed to having lots of plants and flowers around when he was married previously. What you need to negotiate with him is how he can continue to enjoy this beauty by taking responsibility for it. Perhaps he has learned how to care for flowers and plants. Talk to him about it. Point out that you simply do not have the wherewithal to keep these plants alive, even if you enjoy having them around.

Suggest that if he wants to fill the house with plants and flowers, you need him to do more than bring them into the house. You need him to tend to them. Acknowledge that it is not easy for you to be in the position of even trying to measure up to his ex-wife, who seems to live and breathe gardening. As much as you might want to provide this for him and your household, make it clear that this is not your forte. Tell him that you are feeling stressed because you cannot keep the plants alive. Ask him to assume responsibility for any living plant he brings into the house.

(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 Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: I just moved to a new neighborhood. I had very close ties with my neighbors before moving, so I am a little surprised that my new neighbors are not as friendly. In this new neighborhood, the houses are farther apart, and some even have gated driveways. This is not what I was used to before relocating.

I have tried going next door and across the street, but have gotten confused and cold responses. Could it be me? Is this just where I live now? I am sad to have lost my neighborly relations. -- Cold Shoulders, Charlotte, North Carolina

DEAR COLD SHOULDERS: State Farm recently conducted a survey to take the temperature of neighbors across the country, essentially to learn what constitutes a good neighbor today. Interestingly, most of the participants said that they want to be personally welcomed when they move into a neighborhood, while those very same people often did not enjoy the favor of their neighbors when they moved. Expectations are high, but follow-through seems to be lacking.

My takeaway is that if you want to cultivate relationships with your neighbors, you cannot give up on your efforts. Consider hosting a holiday gathering for neighbors, inviting the families who live near you. Make a festive invitation and see what happens. The Good Neighbor survey said that most neighbors welcome a neighborhood gathering but just don't get around to organizing it. Bringing people to you may be the secret to unlocking some of those gates. Good luck!

DEAR HARRIETTE: My kids have been pestering me to get another dog. Our current dog is a 5-year-old Chihuahua, and they want to get her a friend, since she has been left alone a lot this year. I think she needs a friend as well because I hate feeling guilty, but if one dog is alone too much, the other will be as well. My conscience is torn. Should I get my pooch a friend? I've been pressured for months now. -- Lonely Pup, Seattle

DEAR LONELY PUP: If possible, check with your veterinarian. I say this because he or she will have a sense of your dog's health and temperament as it relates to introducing a new dog into the family. With the blessing of the doctor, a companion dog might be perfect. If you are able to contain the dogs in a yard or indoor area, you can preserve your home and give them a safe space to romp. Just make sure that if you introduce a young dog to your 5-year-old that you provide enough toys for each of them so that you reduce the turf wars that will occur while no one is at home.

(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 Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)