DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm trying to purchase a new car. Everyone is pressuring me to buy a vehicle from a family friend, but I'd like to buy from a reputable dealer. I'd hate to buy from the family friend and then have the vehicle not work, and I really want to drive off the lot in a new vehicle.

Everyone keeps saying I'm not being realistic, and that I just need something to get me from point A to B. No one is being supportive of my decision. True, I'd save money buying from the family friend, but I don't want any mishaps. What do you think? -- Car Shopper, Laurelton, Md.

DEAR CAR SHOPPER: I say, go with your gut. While many people have successfully purchased cars and other items from family friends, you are right to be wary. If you want to buy a car from a dealer and you can afford it, that plan gives you professional assurances should anything go wrong with the vehicle.

If you ever do buy a car or other expensive item from someone besides an established business, be crystal clear about the terms. In the case of a car, you should have it inspected and receive some kind of formal assurance that you will be reimbursed if it is a lemon. Or perhaps you agree to buy it at such a low price that you accept the risk. Some states have "lemon laws" that protect people who unknowingly buy defective used cars.

DEAR HARRIETTE: A close associate from work was fired recently, and I knew about it beforehand. She had been written up for her work performance and put on probation in December. After that, her work ethic was getting better, and she even became social chair for our fundraiser committee.

Should I tell her I knew what was going to happen? -- Unsure, Syracuse, N.Y.

DEAR UNSURE: Leave well enough alone. All you would be doing is stirring the pot. You have no control over this woman's fate, so telling her likely would upset her without benefit. Since she was previously written up and put on probation, she knew her work was being evaluated. Though her performance improved, she must not have done well enough for the company to choose to keep her.

Rather than rubbing her nose in the reality of her firing, do your best to help boost her confidence. Provided that you would naturally continue to talk to her after she has left the company, remind her of what she had been doing well and of her overall skills. Encourage her to look for a new job that will match her skill set.

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.