Archives

DEAR HARRIETTE: We drive a lot at the end of the year going to visit family in three states. There are five us -- two adults and three kids. We have fun usually, but one of the things that always caus... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I was invited to a formal event, and I am not sure of what to wear. I went to a formal affair last year, and I went out and bought a long gown because I thought that was the implied dr... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My family had a horrible scare recently. My husband was in a car accident and got seriously hurt. We have been married for 10 years and have two young children. Because we are both you... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: The creepiest thing just happened to me. I received a friend request on Facebook, and I accepted because the person is friends with someone I know and respect. Almost immediately, the ... more

DEAR READERS: Merry Christmas! Children young and old await this special day for months on end. The promise of treats from loved ones, delicious food and good company warms our hearts. For those who a... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I didn't get everyone in my church group a present for Christmas. I simply couldn't afford it, nor do I really think I need to give a group of adults more stuff. I decided to write car... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I was invited to go to lunch with a business associate. When I arrived at the restaurant and walked through the door, all I could smell was juice being made in a juicer, and I realized... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My 11-year-old is still a firm Santa lover and believer. Her friends at school, however, deride her for her beliefs. What's interesting is that she doesn't seem to care much what they ... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a friend who is in the middle of an ugly divorce. She has been telling me the details, and it just sounds horrible. I try to be a good listener, which is hard because the storie... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a 12-year-old African-American son who has what looks like an arsenal of toy guns. From Nerf guns to BB guns to videogames featuring weapons, he and his friends are always playi... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have received some disturbing emails from a close friend of mine. He sounds depressed, and I am really worried about him. I've told him that I'm here for him if he needs me, and I've... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: A group of friends has invited me to hang out with them on New Year's Eve. They plan to go to Times Square and hang out while the ball drops. I like them, but I hate that idea. I used ... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My company is going to have its annual Secret Santa gift exchange party in a few days, and I drew the name of a co-worker I really do not know. The rule for our Secret Santa is that we... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My son has always been practical when it comes to asking for things for Christmas. He has never asked for extravagant gifts, and my husband and I do our best to get whatever he request... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I was invited to go to a holiday dance with a guy I really like from my college. I want to go, but I feel like an idiot because I never learned how to dance. My parents were very stric... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I was just invited to a spectacular weeklong celebration with an associate. Apparently, he organizes an annual trip that he invites a range of people to attend. I have seen pictures on... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My son has been hiding his homework assignments from my wife and me for several weeks now, something we learned from his teacher, who called me the other day to ask what was going on. ... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am dealing with jealousy issues at work that I do not know how to handle. My time is split between commuting to the office and working from home. My colleagues have complained that I... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I went to dinner at a new restaurant in my neighborhood. An old friend is the owner, and I wanted to support his business endeavor. The service was lacking, and the food was all right,... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband and I have not been getting along for quite some time. We argue a lot and rarely speak in friendly terms to each other. We were just with family for Thanksgiving, and while ... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I received an offer online to buy a luxury item at a discount for the holidays. I was so excited because it meant that I could purchase it for my daughter, who has wanted the item for ... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I was invited to spend Christmas at a friend's family home since I am away at college and she lives in town. I cannot afford to go home, so it was really nice of her family to invite m... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have to turn in an application for my child's school, and the document is supposed to be signed by both parents. My wife will be out of the country on business for another month. If ... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I worked on a project that required my lawyer's services. The payoff was supposed to be significant, but in the end, I'm the one who spent money while the whole deal went south. I am b... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My office is going through a serious downsizing right now. We normally have a big holiday party, and I am sure that will not happen this year. I was thinking it would be nice to put to... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: At church last Sunday, I was handed an envelope from one of the church elders. When I got home, I saw that there was a check enclosed and a note saying that if I needed anything, I sho... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: As the holidays approach, I find myself feeling more and more stressed out because I am thinking I would like to be alone this holiday season. My anxiety comes from the endless questio... more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My boyfriend usually seems to be a guy's guy. He is into sports and cars and stuff. He is also attentive to me, which I love. We go out to dinner a lot and have fun dates. But I recent... more