Dear Harriette
Empty-nester looking for new ways to fill time
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am in my late 50s, and all my children are in college or have recently graduated. My life used to be a balancing act of taking care of my children and working. Now that my three children are all gone, I have a lot of free time. I’m at a loss because…
Read MoreStudy-abroad student feels guilty for not missing home
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a 20-year-old student who recently relocated temporarily to Europe. I have been living here for two months, and I love it. I have recently been feeling guilty because I have done a poor job of keeping in touch with my family. I was raised to be extremely independent, so I don’t…
Read MoreReaders respond to “anxieties on getting old”
DEAR READERS: I got so many great responses to the letter from “Anxieties on Getting Old” that I am printing two of them for you to enjoy. I love when you write to me with your questions and responses. Keep them coming! DEAR HARRIETTE: I have some additional ideas for you in answering “Anxieties on…
Read MoreReader with diabetes needs to change lifestyle
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am still living an unhealthy lifestyle that includes consuming soft drinks, despite being diagnosed with diabetes. I recognize that this habit is detrimental to my health and could worsen my condition, but I find it difficult to break free from it. I need guidance on how to shift my mindset and make…
Read MoreMom worries that son is too dependent
DEAR HARRIETTE: My son is often referred to as a “mama’s boy” because of his affectionate gestures toward me, such as kissing my cheeks before school, seeking my opinion on his clothes and requesting I support him during his basketball games. While I appreciate his closeness and love, I sometimes wonder if his attachment to…
Read MorePartner wants to bring up idea of adoption to wife
DEAR HARRIETTE: Adoption seems to be the only option for my seven-year marriage to work. My wife is unable to bear children due to polycystic ovary syndrome, and this has put a strain on our hopes of starting a family. We have explored various options, but adoption appears to be the most viable solution for…
Read MoreEmployee feels demoralized after being let go
DEAR HARRIETTE: I feel disrespected after being laid off, despite being one of the best performers in my role. It is disheartening to feel undervalued and overlooked, especially when I have dedicated myself to my job and consistently produced high-quality work. The decision to let me go has left me feeling confused and demoralized; I…
Read MoreEldest sister struggles with siblings’ success
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am the older sister to two incredibly successful younger siblings, both thriving in their careers at Fortune 500 companies. While I couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments, I find myself struggling to make ends meet, and the contrast in our financial situations is difficult to ignore. Witnessing their achievements has, at times,…
Read MoreReader in relationship questions befriending men
DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently received advice from someone suggesting that I should not befriend boys because I already have a boyfriend. This is my first time having a boyfriend, but I have a group of male friends I have been close to for years. It feels weird to walk away from my true friends in…
Read MoreEx-BFF wants to apologize for stealing boyfriend
DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend wants to apologize for hurting me by stealing my boyfriend. The betrayal and pain caused by her actions have deeply affected me, and I am struggling to come to terms with the situation. While I appreciate her desire to apologize, the hurt and betrayal I feel are still raw and…
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