DEAR HARRIETTE: I own a big old pickup truck, passed down from my grandfather, who used it to transport sheep. I was driving home from my sister's house, a 4-hour drive on the highway, and when I stopped for gas, I realized a suitcase had fallen out of my trunk. This suitcase was full of my passed friend's belongings. I feel so guilty and so stupid. I know it was an accident, but I can't help but blame myself. I tried driving to find it, but it was a fruitless endeavor. Should I tell his family what happened or keep this to myself since he gave me the suitcase and its contents? -- Falling Apart, Detroit
DEAR FALLING APART: If you were charged with transporting the suitcase to your friend's family, by law you must tell them. If your friend gave you the suitcase to dispose of or keep as you wish, you can just let it be. Bringing up the loss will be hurtful. Do so only if it is necessary.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)