DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My father-in-law and I get along very well. But the one thing we always disagree on is his getting to a doctor more often. Although he is only in his late 50s, he is a large man, with diabetes and a family history of heart disease. He lives alone, and I worry about something happening to him, not to mention he almost never goes to the doctor, and if he does he almost never follows their advice. I worry it will take a crisis for him to realize he needs to be under more careful medical supervision. How do I get him to take his health more seriously? --- CONCERNED DAUGHTER-IN-LAW

DEAR CONCERNED: You could start with a firm offer to drive him to his medical appointments. Then, if he’ll allow it and you haven’t already done so, get yourself and/or your spouse on your father-in-law’s approved contact list with his doctors. This will put you in the loop of his medical care.

If neither of the above work out, try bringing providers to him through mobile health services, if available in your area. You could also take on preparing or buying diabetic-friendly meals and eating them with him when you can. And, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to contact your local chapter of the American Diabetes Association, which is a good source of information, including diabetic lifestyle guidelines and where to find support groups for caregivers as well as those living with diabetes.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: Since my boyfriend and I started dating two years ago I have had long hair. But every few years I want a change and last week I went for a super short cut. It isn’t a buzz, but it is pretty short, and I love it.

The problem is, I keep catching my boyfriend looking at me with a strange expression and he keeps making not always nice comments about how I look with the new style. Why do I feel like I did something wrong? --- SHORTER THAN USUAL

DEAR SHORTER: There’s nothing wrong with changing-up your look if it makes you feel good. So long as you’re happy with your new do, it’s pretty much too bad for your boyfriend. If he’s just in it for how you look, or at least how he thinks you should look, then you guys have bigger issues to face than your latest haircut.

DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My friend and I often swap clothes and accessories. It saves us both money, especially when it’s dressy stuff for special occasions.

I have my first business trip coming up and I keep asking my friend for the suit and blazer she borrowed to go on interviews before she got her job. Every time I mention I need them back, she says she will get them to me and every time we meet up she “forgets.” I have even gone to her place and asked for them and she told me they were at the dry cleaner’s.

What do I need to do to get my clothing back before I have to travel? --- NEED MY OUTFITS

DEAR NEED MY OUTFITS: It sounds like your friend may be giving you the runaround because she has something to hide. Since she’s told you the clothes are at the cleaner’s, tell her if she gives you the claim check you’ll go pick them up. If the items really are there, it may seem unfair for you to have to pay for her cleaning bill, but at least you’ll get your clothing back. If it turns out they aren’t at the cleaner’s and she doesn’t hand them over, you have a choice of either asking her to replace them or doing so yourself.

Whatever the case turns out to be, since you’re both currently employed, I’d say your sharing outfits days are over ─ or at least they should be.