DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a problem: I am claustrophobic. I lose my breath every time I take public transportation during rush hour or when I ride in a crowded elevator. I usually wait until there's no one around to take the elevator and ride public transportation.

I need to overcome my fear of close spaces because it has affected me in my personal life. When I kiss my boyfriend, I need to kiss him in the middle of the room. I cannot have my back against a wall because I begin to have a panic attack.

Can you offer some tips to help me overcome my fear of small spaces? -- Walls Are Closing In, New York

DEAR WALLS ARE CLOSING IN: I am terribly sorry that you are having this frightening experience.

Claustrophobia is an anxiety disorder that is best managed with professional medical and/or mental health attention. The best advice I can give you is to seek out a doctor or counselor who will be able to help you sort through your challenges and provide you with medication if necessary. I highly recommend that you make an appointment immediately so you can get the support you need and deserve.

To learn more about claustrophobia, see medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37062.php.

DEAR HARRIETTE: This is regarding your response to the mom who wrote in about her 10-year-old wanting a cellphone. You told her she does not have to grant her daughter's wish. However, I was disappointed when you advised her to discuss it and check her options with her phone carrier.

Did you pick up in the mother's letter when she said "Enough!"? She wanted your help in explaining to her daughter why the child didn't need a phone at age 10.

You said parents opt to get phones for their children for safety. Well, a 10-year-old should not be out and about without adult supervision anyway. Even if your child is in ballet, ball, drama, afterschool events, etc., an adult who has a phone would be present. If you're a good parent, you will be there or you will know what time your child's practice ends. I understand getting children a phone when they start going to the movies and to school functions with friends (when they are old enough). -- Fed Up, Washington, D.C.

DEAR FED UP: Thank you for your note.

To clarify, when a child wants a phone and the parent says no, it is important to explain why. Being firm with your child and outlining your own family values regarding electronics is a start.

If you do not approve of children having phones, say so and explain that different families have different beliefs. While you have no reason to judge another family, you must make it clear what your family believes and how you act on that. Being consistent with your child will teach him or her how to walk the path of life based on what you have instilled, regardless of what others do.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend and her longtime boyfriend broke up recently. They've been friends for so long that they say they can't not talk to each other. She says none of their talking is romantic, but I told her I'm worried she'll get hurt because it's impossible to get over someone without a little space. They still talk every day. What's your opinion on the situation? -- Concerned, Washington, D.C.

DEAR CONCERNED: I agree that distance is often a healer in relationships. It is wise for couples who break up to spend time apart from each other to heal and redefine themselves. This is particularly true for couples who have been together a long time.

That said, it is not within your purview or power to convince them to cool it with their communication. Who knows what is next for them? Perhaps they will be able to talk through their issues and find clarity on why they broke up and whether they intend to stay just friends or try again. Perhaps one or both of them will get their feelings hurt when new love interests come on the scene.

You cannot protect your friend from her fate. If she asks your opinion, you can give it. Make sure you are clear when talking to her that what you are offering is just that: an opinion. If things backfire, bite your tongue and do not say, "I told you so." Instead, be a good friend by being a compassionate listener.

DEAR HARRIETTE: One of my friends overshares on Facebook. He recently posted his GPA, which wasn't great, along with a message about how it has inspired him to do better. He has also said on Facebook that he has never been kissed. I think things like that are too personal to post on the Internet for everyone to see. Should I talk to him, or is it his prerogative to post whatever he wants? -- Privacy Please, Chicago

DEAR PRIVACY PLEASE: Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could get your friends to heed your advice? Unfortunately, it doesn't often happen. Don't give up yet, though.

Ask your friend to have a chat with you. Mention your concern over the amount of personal information he shares via social media and how it could backfire on him as it relates to continuing his education, getting a job or being taken seriously. Point out also that posting about his love life, or lack thereof, can easily attract stalkers or other undesirables. Suggest that he have these conversations with his friends rather than his cyberfriends. A cyberconversation about personal intimacies can backfire too quickly.

After you share your thoughts, back off. He is an individual with the right to post what he chooses. He may be comfortable with his personal postings and choose to continue. If he does, your next step can be to stop engaging him via social media so that you avoid being a participant in his drama.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I need some help with my husband, who refuses to travel outside of the United States. We have been married for six years, and every year I tell my husband that I want to travel to Paris and Italy for vacation. And every year he politely tells me no.

When I asked why he is not interested in traveling outside of the U.S., he responded, "We can see everything we want right here in the United States." To prove his point, this is what my husband decided to do: Instead of going to Europe, we went to Las Vegas and stayed at the Paris hotel, and we visited the Venetian hotel to ride the gondolas.

I have to admit that we had a great time in Vegas, but I really wanted to go to Europe instead. How can I change my husband's mind about traveling outside the United States? -- Would-be Globetrotter, Chicago

DEAR WOULD-BE GLOBETROTTER: I hope you thanked your husband for his creative attempt to satisfy you and himself. You have to admit that his compromise was clever.

I suggest that you dig a little deeper to try to find the source of your husband's apprehension regarding international travel. Is there something in his past that might preclude him from securing a passport? Did he have a bad experience before meeting you that had to do with international travel?

If he sticks to his guns, begin to talk to him about other options. It could be that his lack of interest in going does not preclude you from going. Perhaps you can go to Europe with some of your girlfriends or with an organized tour group. Indeed, if you go and come back with a wealth of stories, he may change his mind and choose to join you the next time.

DEAR HARRIETTE: A superior sent me a rude email earlier this week. Her request was reasonable, but the way she phrased the email was unnecessarily rude and harsh. I'm not sure if I should bring it up with the other superiors or if it would put them in an uncomfortable position. What should I do? -- Offended, Boston

DEAR OFFENDED: If you can drum up the courage, speak directly to the woman who wrote the email. Request a meeting. Acknowledge the tasks that she requested. If you have completed them, state that fact. Otherwise, tell her when you expect to be finished. Then add that the note was a bit disconcerting for you because it was so harshly delivered. State that you want to do a good job and fulfill her expectations and that it will be easier to do so if she is not so harsh.

Your superior may not respond favorably to your request, but I think it would be best to go to her first before reporting her to others. If you do not feel that you have been heard or acknowledged after talking with her, go to human resources for support.