DEAR HARRIETTE: My friends have been trying to set me up with someone. I like him, and I think he could be interested in me, too. I don't know whether I should try to talk to him more or make an active effort independently of my friends. I don't want to be rejected, especially since my friends would definitely find out. What should I do? -- Interested, Philadelphia
DEAR INTERESTED: The thing about the dance of dating is that you have to be willing to get your feelings hurt to stand a chance at finding love. Risks are involved.
If you are interested and you already know your friends are trying to set you up, then go for it. This man may be shy and worried about rejection in the same way you are.
Invite him to go for coffee, something simple and short. If he agrees, get together and talk without an agenda. Chat and get to know each other better. Allow the moment to play out. You will both know if you want to see each other again.
If he does not want to meet you for coffee, that's fine, too. Let it go. If your friends find out, what's to be embarrassed about? You made the effort. You should be proud of yourself for taking that step.
DEAR HARRIETTE: The trend of wearing surgical scrub suits outside of the hospital appears to be increasing. Most all hospitals have rules against wearing surgical scrubs outside of the surgical suite. More and more, though, one encounters medical personnel wearing surgical scrubs even to semiformal dinners and business meetings! Would you please comment on this? -- Curious, Jackson, Miss.
DEAR CURIOUS: Wow! I didn't know scrubs had made it to the ballroom. I have seen many people wearing scrubs while walking the streets of New York City, though. I thought they were legitimate hospital workers who may have dashed out for a bite, which doesn't make it right -- or hygienic, for that matter.
I'm wondering if people wear their scrubs as a badge of honor to prove to others that they are part of the esteemed hospital environment. No matter. It makes sense that hospitals would not want surgical scrubs to be worn outside of the surgical space for health reasons.
To those who legitimately get to wear surgical scrubs, do yourselves and your patients a favor and keep the garments as clean as possible. No street grime, eh? For those of you wearing them to be cool, there are a lot more wardrobe options out there for you to explore.
For observers, unless you personally know someone who is wearing these scrubs, keep your opinions to yourself. You don't have the authority to chastise someone over his or her wardrobe choices. Resist the temptation.