DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend and I have been spending a lot of time together lately. Because we live near each other, our parents have allowed us to visit only each other during quarantine. But now my friend is going to her country house with her family, and I will be left here. I am so sad. I am an only child, and it meant so much to me to have one real contact outside of my family. I know this may sound melodramatic, but I'm a teenager and I need to see my friends. What can I do? Should I try to convince my mom to let someone else become my hangout friend? -- Lonely

DEAR LONELY: It can be hard to see a friend go away even if it's not the age of the coronavirus. Your situation is extra sad because you are so limited in your interactions with others. The best thing that could happen is for people to be able to be tested before they enter each other's company. Until there's a vaccine, that's the only way you can be sure that the person you introduce into your space will be safe.

That said, states are beginning to open up, and people are venturing out a little bit. Your mom and the parents of whomever you want to be your new hangout friend should talk. Learn what the revised safety guidelines on social engagement will be. For now, if you can adhere strictly to the rules that you ALWAYS stay at least 6 feet apart, that you ALWAYS wear a mask except when you are eating, that you resist touching your face and that you wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, your mother might lighten up and let you see someone else. It will be on you to be vigilant. No matter how much you want to hug someone, don't do it. If you make smart choices, you will be able to keep yourself as safe as possible as we begin to venture out.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have terrible acne, and my mom promised to take me to the dermatologist, but since it is considered a nonessential medical service, we can't go right now. I have tried all kinds of over-the-counter treatments that really don't work. I'm trying to convince my mom to let me do the virtual doctor's appointment so that at least I could get a consultation. She thinks that's a waste of money. I need to do something. What do you recommend? -- Dermatologist

DEAR DERMATOLOGIST: Do some more research. Find out if your insurance company covers telehealth visits for dermatologists. If so, find one in your plan. Call to find out if the doctor is having office hours, and present the details to your mother. Check too to see if that doctor is allowing in-person visits. Now that things are opening up a bit, there's a chance that you may be able to get an appointment.

Shy of that, become more vigilant with your self-care. Eliminate sugary drinks from your diet. Drink plenty of water. The one natural remedy that many espouse for acne treatment is apple cider vinegar -- applied topically and ingested, it seems to cut down on acne as well as other ailments. For ways to use it, go to www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-acne-remedies.

(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.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have not been feeling well for the past few days, and it has got me scared. What with the COVID-19 virus being everywhere, I wonder if I have it. My stomach has been sick. I can't seem to hold food down, but I am still doing my job and taking care of my family. On the news, they say just to stay home if you don't feel well unless you have a high fever. I don't have a fever at all, but I feel like hell. I am worried that if I am sick I will infect my family. Staying home does not seem like the best idea, to be honest. But I don't know where I can get a test or anything. What should I do? -- Need Testing

DEAR NEED TESTING: The Centers for Disease Control has said that diarrhea can be an early sign of this disease. For this reason, you should be able to get tested. Call your doctor and describe your symptoms and your concerns. Describe your household as well and the proximity of family members to you. Ask your doctor to provide you with the paperwork you may need to get tested along with a recommended location to have it done. At this point, testing is supposed to be available for anyone who may be symptomatic.

If you do not get support from your doctor, consider a walk-in medical facility. Your last resort should be the emergency room if you can avoid it, simply because they still are fairly stretched -- and hospitals do have the virus within their walls.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am feeling unmotivated. I lost my job two months ago. I am getting unemployment, thank God. But no matter how hard I look or how many resumes I send out, I have not gotten a single response back. It feels like the whole world is frozen. I do know that millions of people have lost their jobs, including me, but I don't think I should wait around until things get better to look. I'm worried that if I wait too long, there will be nothing, even though it seems like there's nothing now. How can I get my spirits back up so that I can put better effort into my search? -- Job Hunt

DEAR JOB HUNT: Stay focused on your pursuit of work. I think it's important to continue to look as vigorously as you can in a virtual and safe manner. Think about the broadest range of jobs that you can do efficiently. You may want to develop more than one resume so that you can focus each one on particular skills for specific jobs.

Most important, think about who can stand as a reference for you. This should be someone who can speak to your character, your personality, your workstyle -- you. It's best to think of a few different people who represent different parts of your life and who can honestly say positive things about you. Be sure to ask them if they would be willing to speak up on your behalf. Their declarations about you may help to seal the deal.

(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.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have an annual subscription to my local theater company. This used to be a favorite activity for my husband and me, but everything is canceled now. The company recently sent me a letter asking if I would donate the money I spent for the subscription so that it can try to stay in business. It also asked if I would be willing to make a contribution, kind of a good-faith gesture to try to help the company stay afloat. I totally understand the situation. Most of the performers are young up-and-comers who probably have nothing now. When they weren’t on stage, I bet most of them worked in restaurants and bars that are now closed. I am happy to let them keep my subscription money, but I can’t afford to give more. Things are tight at home for me, too. How can I tell them without being rude? -- Limited Gift

DEAR LIMITED GIFT: Be direct with the theater company. Know that it will be appreciative that you are willing to donate your subscription money without the promise of entertainment in return. That, in and of itself, is generous and thoughtful. The fact that you are unable to give more is perfectly understandable.

All of us are in this together, trying to navigate how to live in the pandemic. There is no one solution. It’s tough, and we are doing our best. Give yourself credit for being thoughtful and as generous as you can. Write a note to the theater company expressing your gratitude for its creativity over time. Describe what you can offer financially, and express that this is the limit for now. Wish the company well as it weathers this storm. That’s sufficient.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I learned that one of my mother’s best friends is not doing well. It sounds like she is physically ill and also suffering from dementia. My mother is not well, either. The two of them used to be so close. Now I don’t even know if it is a good idea to put them on the phone with each other because they are both feeble. It’s really sad. I end up talking to each of them separately. How much should I tell my mother about her friend? I am so unsure. Obviously, they can’t visit each other. Half the time, I don’t know what my mother retains anyway. Should I make sure that she knows about her friend’s condition? -- Keeping Informed

DEAR KEEPING INFORMED: We never want to worry our elders, so it is good to be cautious. But at the same time, you should let your mother know that her friend is suffering. Without giving her the blow-by-blow, tell her a bit about her friend’s condition. If your mother is a praying woman, suggest that she offer a prayer for her friend. If possible, facilitate a call between the two of them with you on the phone. In this way, you can guide the conversation and also remember what was shared so that you can continue dialogue about it with your mother at another time.

(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.)