DEAR HARRIETTE: My boyfriend has thrown himself into supporting Bernie Sanders for this upcoming election. He distributes flyers, makes signs and gives out buttons and pins to practically everyone he sees. I try to redirect political conversations away from me because though I support Bernie Sanders as well, I do not want our conversations for the next year to revolve around politics. Is there any way to draw the line about politics around me, or is that too controlling to propose? -- Ticked Off by Politics, St. Louis
DEAR TICKED OFF BY POLITICS: As much as you dislike your boyfriend's actions, I have to tell you that I think it is refreshing that a young couple is even talking about politics at all. Yes, you should figure out how to manage your conversations so that they can be varied, but do your best to be grateful for the fact that you are in a relationship with someone who cares about the political process and wants to have a positive impact based upon what he believes. That you two seem to like the same candidate only makes it easier.
Tell your boyfriend that you do not want politics to consume every moment you are together. Ask him to try hard to maintain a personal relationship with you that extends beyond the presidential election. You may need to remind him at times.