DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m 32 years old, and I still don’t have my driver’s license. This has always been a sensitive issue for me, and while I know it’s unusual at my age, I just don’t feel comfortable driving. My family has been patient over the years, helping me get around whenever I need it, but lately, they’ve been vocal about their frustrations. They keep pushing me to get my license and learn to drive, saying it’s time for me to be more independent. The truth is, I’m really scared of learning how to drive. The idea of being behind the wheel makes me anxious, and I worry about the possibility of getting into an accident or making a mistake that could put myself and others in danger. I feel like no one really understands this fear; they just think I’m being difficult or lazy. Every time they bring it up, it adds to my anxiety and makes me want to avoid the whole topic altogether.

I don’t want to be a burden on my family, and I know driving would make life easier for everyone, including myself. How can I approach this situation so that my family understands what I’m going through? And is there any way to start building confidence to finally face my fear of driving? -- Fear of Driving

DEAR FEAR OF DRIVING: Facing your fears is wise, even if you do not become a driver. In this way, you can conquer whatever is troubling you. My recommendation would be to take a driver’s education class to learn how to drive safely alongside an expert driver. This way, you can grow accustomed to the feeling of being behind the wheel and controlling a vehicle. It's just a class, not a commitment to get the license.

If this seems too daunting, consider getting a therapist to work through this phobia with you. Even if you never become a driver, it’s good for you to eliminate the fear and embrace your abilities.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend told me some secrets from her company. I asked her about it, and she mentioned that she had signed a nondisclosure agreement. I told her not to share this information with anyone else, as it is part of the contract she signed for her safety. She replied that I was just overreacting and that no one would find out aside from me. I’m concerned about the potential consequences if she shares these secrets. It’s important for her to understand the seriousness of the situation. I want to support her, but I also need to help her realize the risks involved. What should I tell her to emphasize the importance of keeping this information confidential? -- Breach

DEAR BREACH: Sit your friend down and tell her you need to have a serious conversation. Tell her you appreciate how much she trusts you, but you don’t think she understands the meaning of confidentiality. Explain that it means she should not be telling you -- or anyone else -- anything covered by that nondisclosure agreement. She may recall how easily secrets spread when she was a kid. One person would tell another something and they would promise not to share it, yet somehow it sped along a communication path until everyone knew about it. The same happens with adults.

When you violate an NDA, you run the risk of being sued, losing your job or both. Encourage her to keep protected information to herself.

(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: My 20-year-old daughter recently got her cosmetology license and has started working at a salon. She’s excited about her new job and the independence it brings, but now she’s telling me she wants to move out and get her own apartment. She says she’s ready for the next step and wants her own space to feel more "grown-up." The problem is, I’m not convinced she’s fully prepared for everything that comes with living on her own.

While she’s making decent money, she hasn’t been at her job long, and she hasn’t saved up much yet. I worry she’s underestimating the expenses involved and may struggle to keep up with bills, rent and other unexpected costs. Plus, I’m concerned that, with the way the job market is, she might need more of a financial cushion if anything were to go wrong. I know part of me just isn’t ready to let go, but I’m genuinely concerned that she’s moving too quickly. I want to support her dreams, but I don’t want her to jump into something she might not be ready for. How can I help her see the bigger picture without discouraging her or coming across as overly protective? -- Next Steps

DEAR NEXT STEPS: Do not discourage your daughter. Instead, encourage her to make a budget for the year and map out her expenses and potential income. If she wants to go out on her own, support her. Let her know what you are willing and able to contribute if she needs help. Be clear and specific so she doesn’t attempt to rely on you more than is realistic. Let her know she can come home if things don’t work out -- no questions asked.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been thinking about leaving my husband, but I don’t think I can afford to be on my own. Our lives and expenses are completely entangled -- even though we have been estranged for a long time. My girlfriend suggested I just stay and build a separate life, but I feel uncomfortable about that. I am afraid of what to do next. Whenever I try to talk to him about our problems, he yells at me and says it’s all my fault. He refuses to get therapy, too. What do I do next when I am scared to do anything? -- Paralyzed

DEAR PARALYZED: Get yourself a therapist -- someone with whom you can talk through your issues to get a professional, unbiased opinion and guidance. You may also want to talk to a financial adviser to figure out a way forward with the financial resources that you do have. Finally, consult with an attorney who can inform you of the laws of your state regarding division of resources upon divorce. All of this information will help you to determine next steps. Do know that even when there are no financial concerns, extricating yourself from a marriage can be difficult. Give yourself time to figure it out.

(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 know that gadgets are relevant today, but they can be harmful to our health, especially for our kids. I am trying to figure out how to balance this by giving my 4-year-old daughter just one hour of screen time each day. However, she sometimes exceeds this limit because I get busy and don't monitor her usage as closely as I should.

Recently, my daughter had a tantrum when I took away her tablet. To create a healthier balance for her, could I establish a consistent daily routine that includes set times for screen use, alongside engaging nonscreen activities like outdoor play or crafts? What other strategies would you suggest to limit screen time effectively? -- Digital Distractions

DEAR DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS: It takes discipline on your side to enforce healthy screen use for your child. The good news is that you can engage the device to support you. Many smart devices have built-in controls that can limit the amount of time they are operable, regardless of whether you are watching your daughter. You can tell your daughter that she has 30 minutes or an hour to play on the device, after which it will automatically shut off. If she sees that the device stops working without your intervention, it may be harder for her to keep up her tantrum as you do not seem to be directly controlling it.

More important, let her know that there are times to use the devices and times when she has to do something else. Keep games, books and other engaging materials handy so that she always has something to do. Know that there are quite a few apps that can help you to manage your child’s screen time, including bark.us and quostodio.com. There are also printouts that you can post to help you and your child manage her screen time together.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend “Rica” and I both love the same man. She has known him since high school, so they have a history together. I can see he has feelings for Rica, and I believe she’s only pretending not to like him because of me. It’s painful watching the two of them hold back, knowing they might be happier if I stepped aside, yet I can't deny my own feelings for him -- they run deep. I wonder if holding on to him is selfish, or if my love could mean something to him, too. Should I let them be together, or should I fight for my love for him? -- Bittersweet Dilemma

DEAR BITTERSWEET DILEMMA: Why not talk directly to the man? Be upfront with him about your feelings and your observations. Tell him that you believe there could be a future for the two of you, but it is obvious that Rica cares deeply for him, too. Ask him what he wants. Be clear that you are not willing to share, but you are willing to step aside if he chooses her. Make your decision after you check in with him.

(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.)