DEAR HARRIETTE: I was out with friends and saw an acquaintance sitting alone in the restaurant. He looked a little uncomfortable, so I thought I would rescue him. I invited him to come sit with us, and he accepted. He spent the rest of the time talking to the other people at the table and ignoring me, even though I was the one to invite him. I was offended. What is the best way to handle a situation like this? -- Snubbed, Philadelphia

DEAR SNUBBED: I'm sorry you didn't say something to your acquaintance at the time. While at the restaurant, you could have attempted to spark a conversation directly with him or even called him on his rudeness (privately) to wake him up to his actions.

Since you did not act in the moment, it is now time to follow up with him. But before you reach out, calm down. Assume the positive -- that the snub was unintentional. Tell him it was nice to see him. Add that you were taken aback by his behavior. Chances are he is oblivious to what he did -- or didn't do. Describe to him how you "rescued" him by welcoming him to sit with your group of friends and how, consciously or otherwise, he proceeded to become absorbed in the conversation without ever remembering to include you. Make it clear that you didn't appreciate it, but do not go on and on about it. Make your point and consider it handled.

DEAR HARRIETTE: After reading the sad letter from "Distraught," I wanted to let you know that Willow House is a wonderful resource for grief support in the Chicago area. Please visit our website (willowhouse.org) to find out more. We charge no fees for peer support programs, outreach, education and crisis support. As a nonprofit, we rely on donations, grants and fundraising.

Support is vital to grieving families, and there are so few organizations like Willow House that provide a safe place to share sadness and hope, memories and fears with others who understand. -- Board Chair, Chicago

DEAR BOARD CHAIR: Thank you for your recommendation. What's particularly great about your program is that it is free to anyone in need in the Chicago area.

For those who are suffering in other parts of the country, do your research to find out if free resources are available where you live. Remember that you can reach out to your spiritual home and, in case of emergency, you can go to the hospital if you feel you need immediate help.

So many people are in emotional pain, whether because of bullying, identity crisis, loss or other event. The great news is that you do not have to suffer in silence or in isolation.

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.