DEAR HARRIETTE: I want to take a vacation with my best friend, but I don’t have the money to do so right now, and I feel incredibly embarrassed about it. We typically take a trip together every year, and it’s something we both look forward to because it helps us reconnect and make memories. This year, however, everything is different: I lost my job a few months ago and had to take another job that pays a lot less just to stay afloat.

I’ve been avoiding the vacation conversation because I don’t want her to think I’m unreliable or that I don’t care about our tradition. The truth is, I’m barely keeping up with my bills, and a vacation just isn’t possible. I’m worried she’ll be disappointed or think less of me. I’ve even thought about trying to put the trip on a credit card, but I know that would make my situation worse.

I’m torn between being honest with my friend and trying to save face. I keep practicing the conversation in my head, but every version makes me embarrassed. I want to handle this in a way that protects both our friendship and my dignity. How should I tell my friend that I can’t go on a trip this year? -- No Vacay

DEAR NO VACAY: If your friend truly is your “best friend,” she should understand. Tell her the truth: This has been a tough year for many people, including you. Your friend needs to know right away that you cannot take the trip. This will give her a chance to change her plans. Admit that you are embarrassed and disappointed in your circumstances right now. Obviously, you wanted to honor your tradition, but you have to pass this year. The end.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I need a new job. I have been working hard at my current job for several years now, but I am grossly underpaid. I know that my company is suffering due to the impact of the tariffs and what they are calling “DEI cutbacks,” but the reality is that my salary is low but the work remains intense. I need to make more money -- and fast. Don’t get me wrong: I love what we do, but I need more income in order to survive. I also love my boss and know he’s trying his best, but it’s just not enough. What should I do? -- Ready To Quit

DEAR READY TO QUIT: For many companies, this year has been a challenge financially. Yes, the new policies that have been put in place by the federal government have impacted many businesses, the fallout of that is not fully known yet. Does that mean you should leave your job? You certainly can look around to see if there are more lucrative opportunities, but do so discreetly and with care. I believe in abundance, which fundamentally means that there is enough to go around for everyone. It’s not always easy to find, though. Is there any way that you can help the company where you currently work differently so that they can get back on their feet? At the same time, keep your eyes open for part-time supplementary work as well as companies that may be more financially secure and able to pay a healthier wage.

(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 next-door neighbor has two young children and often seems to be stressed out. She is married, and her husband helps out some, but most of the work falls to her. I see her looking exhausted all the time. The lights are on in her house before dawn. I can see her cooking from my kitchen window. There’s always a pot on and dishes to wash. I see her doing homework with the kids and being attentive. After they go to sleep, I see her moving about and doing chores. She is a good mom, and it is a lot. I would like to do something for her, but I do not have the time or capacity to babysit. I also don’t want to just sit there and do nothing when I can see that she needs help. Any recommendations? -- Stressed-Out Neighbor

DEAR STRESSED-OUT NEIGHBOR: Do you know what they eat? Could you offer to make a platter of food for the family one night? Or pay for a food delivery so she gets a break from cooking?

The holidays are coming up. Perhaps you can offer to pay for a babysitter so she and her husband can have a date -- or so she can just have time off to do nothing. The gesture will likely be appreciated, and she may take you up on it. Do you enjoy wrapping gifts? You could offer to do that for her to take one thing off of her to-do list. There are so many small tasks she does every day, and if you cover even one of them, you’ll make her day brighter.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend and I have always given each other gifts for Christmas. It is something we have looked forward to doing for years. In the recent past, we have gone all out. We have saved up on occasion to be able to buy the perfect present. My problem this year is that I have extremely limited resources. I have been barely working, and it’s hard enough for me to pay my rent, let alone purchase a gift for anyone. Still, I don’t want to kill off this special experience that the two of us share. How can I address my limitations and get creative to be able to continue our tradition? -- Holiday Gift

DEAR HOLIDAY GIFT: My guess is that your best friend already has an inkling of how tight your budget is. Don’t you two talk about your lives? It’s good for you to want to manage expectations this year. Know, too, that your friend may already have your gift since Christmas is almost here.

Speak up and state your reality: Funds are limited, so you will have to get creative this year. Ask if you can do Christmas on a budget or even Christmas on no budget. Rather than spending money on each other, create a gift or design an experience. What does your best friend like to do that you can do together that is free or low cost? For example, dancing at the museum on Friday evening (when entry is free), or hiking in a nearby park and photographing the vista. Think outside the box.

(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: While most of my family members moved away when they went to college, I stayed in town. Fast-forward to 40-some years later: I’m still here, and I am the one everyone is relying on.

Recently, my father passed away, and the arrangements were totally left to me even though I have several siblings. This came after I organized all his care for the past few years of his life. Now another family member has fallen ill, and all eyes are looking in my direction for help. While I am helping out the best I can, it is way too much for me. I have a demanding career and my own family to deal with. I cannot be the caretaker for everyone in my life. How can I let people know? -- Drawing the Line

DEAR DRAWING THE LINE: Speak to your family and friends about what you have learned from taking care of your father. Share details about caregiving roles and responsibilities and costs. Use the currently ill family member’s situation as an example of what is happening and how much goes into helping them. Then point out that it is too much for you to take on by yourself. Ask for help. Be specific with your requests. Since these people have not had this responsibility in the past, it will be unfamiliar for them to assume now. You will have to put on your teaching hat as you push for help.

Beyond that, encourage everyone to consider their end-of-life plans. Do they have a will? A health care proxy? A plan in place for their lives? If not, encourage them to get that paperwork in order now.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I was in a toxic relationship for about a year. I was completely attracted to this guy, but the rest of it didn’t work. There was always one conflict after another. My problem is, I keep remembering the great sex that we had. He was by far the best lover I’ve ever been with. I’m sure I put up with a lot of his inadequacies because the physical aspect was so good. I’ve been thinking about calling him just for a hookup. I mean, just the thought of him sends me swooning. Here’s the thing: It’s never just a hookup. We like each other, and it gets sticky. Then we usually hurt each other’s feelings and separate. Plus, I’ve never been good at doing hookups anyway. What I want more than anything is a real relationship with great sex. What should I do? I really want to call him. -- Hot for Him

DEAR HOT FOR HIM: Leave that man alone. Since you two haven’t figured out how to have a casual relationship or a committed one, this is not the relationship for you. As tempting as it seems, getting with him under these circumstances will surely lead to some form of heartbreak. That suggests that the sex is way too expensive emotionally. This is where the practice of self-pleasure needs to go to the top of your list and stay there until you meet the right person. When you do meet someone, you can recall what you liked about your former man's techniques and communicate those preferences to the new guy (without mentioning your ex, of course).

(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.)