DEAR HARRIETTE: My friends' child died a year ago from SIDS. It was so sad, and I know it has been tough for them to recover. But they don't talk about it.

I just realized the anniversary of their child's death is approaching, and I'm wondering if I should say anything. I love these people so much and want them to have all the happiness in the world. I wonder if bringing it up would make them uncomfortable. But I also don't want to be insensitive by not saying anything. What do you think is appropriate? -- Eggshells, Jackson, Miss.

DEAR EGGSHELLS: It's lovely that you remembered this child's death. It shows that you are a good and conscientious friend.

I don't think you should call your friends to say something about the anniversary. You may want to send them a lovely card that says you are thinking of them on this special day. Write that you love them and are holding them in your prayers. In this way they receive your good wishes, but they do not need to respond unless they feel comfortable doing so.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband and I have been going through a rough spell. The other day, we learned that two young friends had just gotten engaged. Instead of congratulating them, my husband went on a tear, telling them how marriage leaves a lot to be desired. He went on and on, and it got uncomfortable. I tried to change the subject, but that just got him more revved up.

I feel so bad. I think I should say something to the couple, but I don't want to reveal too much about our marriage. We are close to these people, so we will see them again. -- Embarrassed, Cincinnati

DEAR EMBARRASSED: Guess what? Your friends already know there's trouble in your paradise. Your husband has revealed it.

You have choices for moving forward with this couple. First, you can let it be. You four shared an awkward moment that can simply pass.

Second, you can reach out to the couple and share some of your personal insights about marriage. Without revealing too many personal details, share with them that marriage has many twists and turns. This includes, for most couples, periods when the relationship seems brittle. If you have suggestions on how you and your husband navigate tough times, be sure to share them.

By all means, wish them the very best in their lives. I would suggest they get premarital counseling, where they can talk about and explore their values and goals. They also can ask about strategies for fair fighting. You and your husband also may want to get some counseling to see if you can mend your fence.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I was courted by a former client for a contract for nearly three months. Then, after I made my presentation, nothing happened. When I reached out repeatedly to follow up, nothing.

Finally, I wrote to my client to ask if I had done something to turn him off, because I couldn't understand why his company suddenly went cold. He wrote back -- after months of silence -- to say that his boss had decided to pause the project.

I'm frustrated this was not communicated to me earlier. I'm not sure what to do now. Do I thank this guy for telling me the truth? How can I lobby for the work at the same time? -- Stuck, Los Angeles

DEAR STUCK: Welcome to the world of independent contracting. It usually takes a long time to secure a deal, and then if the deal falls through, contractors may not get fair warning. Companies move on to the next important project on their slate. Is this lack of follow-through rude? Yes. It also is very common.

I wish people and companies would recognize that endings are as important as beginnings. I believe that if a company representative has engaged someone in conversation about a potential job, the least he or she can do is to follow up and say "thanks, but no thanks," if that's the case. To say nothing is disrespectful. The person who was interviewed is waiting.

That said, about all you can do is mention one last time that you are interested and available for the gig. If there is no response, move on.

I implore potential employers to take a moment to close the loop by letting unsuccessful job candidates know that the end is here. Remember the Golden Rule.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter has very serious acne, and it causes her a lot of stress. Her peers at school tease her, and even other people who see her in the mall or wherever sometimes say something about her.

She saw a report about a teen girl with the same problem who started wearing what looks like stage makeup to cover up her acne. She even made instructional videos about it, and now she has good self-esteem. My daughter wants to start wearing this kind of makeup, too. I think it's a mistake because it probably clogs the pores even more. My daughter is set to do this. How can I dissuade her? -- Protective Mom, Miami

DEAR PROTECTIVE MOM: Dealing with severe acne can be traumatic, especially for the teens who are usually struck with it. I understand your concern about the makeup not helping to heal her skin. And you probably are right. Still, self-esteem is a real issue for people with acne.

I recommend that you take your daughter to a dermatologist to get medical insight regarding her condition. Ask the dermatologist about makeup coverage. You may get a recommendation that includes acne-drying properties as well as coverage.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I ran into a former co-worker the other night who had been a good friend for a few years. He was with a woman he introduced as his fiancee. They seemed really happy.

I am happy for him, but also kind of sad that he hadn't called to tell me that he met this woman. I remember talking with him time and again about the women he was dating and about how he couldn't find "the one," so he thought he would just be a perennial dater. He must not think of me as a friend anymore. He did say that he hopes I get to know her, but I think he just said that because we were all together. What do you think? -- Feeling Rejected, Staten Island, N.Y.

DEAR FEELING REJECTED: When people fall in love, they often fall out of touch with their friends, at least for a while. This is only exacerbated by distance. If you two no longer work together, it's natural that you would not be as close.

That said, you ran into each other and rekindled memories of your connection. Why not pick it up from there? Take your friend at his word. If he says he would like for you to get to know his fiancee, believe him and follow up. It may be that you will all come to be friends. Your running into each other may have been fortuitous.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been watching this TV series called "My Kid Would Never Do That," where journalist Natalie Morales tests children of different ages to see what they will do. In almost each case that I have watched, the kids have done the exact worse thing -- like getting into a car with someone who seems intoxicated or giving their phone number and address to an alluring stranger.

I'm so worried and scared for my children. I know they listen to me and my husband, but these other kids listened to their parents, too. It seems that peer pressure has taken over their brains. What can I do to protect my children? -- Uncertain, Chicago

DEAR UNCERTAIN: Peer pressure has been proved to be a game changer for many people, especially children. This series points out that the desire to fit in or seem cool can take over common sense.

I think this creates an opportunity to talk candidly with your children about what's happening in their world. You can even start with this series. Let your children watch it so they see what other young people are doing when pressured. Ask for their reactions, and ask what they think they would do in the same situation.

Talk further about different safety scenarios, and ask your children how they might step away from peer pressure. Make sure they know that you can always be reached in case of emergency to rescue them -- without judgment.