DEAR HARRIETTE: I have noticed one of my co-workers has many bruises on her body. She saw me looking at them today, said that she bruises easily and walked away. She has bruises on her ankles, on her leg and on her hands. They are fairly small bruises, and I cannot imagine what they are from. I want to possibly put something on her desk about how to contact help if she is being abused, but I know that could easily backfire on me because of how forward it is. These bruises do not look like she's been hit because of the size and placement on her body. I do not want to pry, and I do not want to feel guilty about not doing something when I could have. Is there any way I could get my co-worker to tell me where these bruises are from, or should I believe her story? -- Black and Blue, Bridgeport, Connecticut
DEAR BLACK AND BLUE: Your co-worker's bruises are none of your business. You should not leave brochures about abuse for her. If you have a rapport with her, you can ask her what happened. She says she bruises easily, which could be true, but what happened? You can also ask her if she is OK or if she needs help. Tell her you care about her and want to make sure she is safe. Don't push further.
(Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)