DEAR HARRIETTE: I enjoy reading your column, and I find your advice straightforward and refreshing. However, I think you may have missed the boat about the man in an interracial relationship whose family doesn't support the relationship. The only detail he provided was that his girlfriend is black and has kids. Perhaps his family objects because there is a major age difference between them, or maybe she's been married multiple times and they worry about him committing to someone who doesn't have a good track record regarding relationships. Maybe they are worried about him becoming an instant dad to the children.

I completely agree that if the family doesn't approve of the relationship because the woman is of a different races it is an outdated shame. But I suspect there may be more to the story. Just wanted to put that out there. -- Another View, Jackson, Miss.

DEAR ANOTHER VIEW: Thank you for your insight. It is possible that race is only one factor in the parents' lack of support for this coupling. What I hope, in any situation like this, is that the parents would speak up and say what their concerns are so that the adult child can hear what they are thinking and be able to respond as an adult.

What happens all too often is that parents pass judgment, for whatever reason, and put up an emotional fence. When this occurs, the couple may retaliate and get married without even considering the parents' point of view. In the end, this can lead to fractured relationships all around, including the fledgling marriage.

I am a big believer in communicating respectfully and fully. When that happens, everyone stands a better chance of making informed decisions about the future.

DEAR HARRIETTE: "Chasing a Dream" wrote to you because she wants to go to nursing school at age 61. I'm glad you told her to go for it. I worked in a factory for more than 25 years. I went back to school and got my nursing degree when I was 48! That was 10 years ago. I have been an oncology nurse for all of those years, and I love it! It is NEVER too late. -- Chased My Dream, Too, Chicago

DEAR CHASED MY DREAM, TOO: I so appreciate the many comments that have come in about getting educated at a later age and going for your heart's desire.

Just the other day I moderated a panel, and a woman in the audience spoke about being afraid of being stuck in her mid-level job not knowing how to move up. Of course, ageism does exist, so I did not paint for her a picture of easy street. I did point out that how we think affects what we become. What we say directs our steps. Being able to think, say and act based on the greatest potential you can imagine for yourself opens the door to possibility in your life -- at absolutely any age.

DEAR HARRIETTE: It is the end of the school year, and my son has had a lot of issues with his teacher. We have addressed them along the way, and we have learned that other parents had issues, too. The primary problem is that the teacher can be really condescending to the students. While he is a good teacher in terms of sharing a powerful curriculum, he is not good at boosting their confidence. I feel bad for the struggles my son's class had. Now it's over. I think I should say something to a higher-up so there's a chance it can be addressed formally before the next class comes in. What do you think? -- Concerned Mom, Dallas

DEAR CONCERNED MOM: I think you should definitely speak to the leadership at the school, especially if you have addressed your concerns with the teacher but believe the problems are still lingering. Just as students learn thanks to constructive feedback, so do adults, including teachers.

I recommend that you frame your thoughts carefully. To the best of your ability, do not go to the meeting emotionally charged. Think about what the experiences have been over the year. Outline what your child has experienced and what you have observed, not hearsay. Paint a picture of the year and outline your specific concerns. Let the administrator know the impact you think this teacher's behavior had on your child and on the class. Add what you hope the improvements could be in the future.

As it relates to the condescending tone of the teacher, give examples of what you have observed and how you think the behavior may have affected the children. Perhaps your input will lead to support for the teacher to work on this area.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am totally freaked out. One of my main clients has not paid my company in several months, and I fear that I am not going to be able to make payroll soon. I have been doing everything in my power to make up for this owed money, but my reserves have become too thin. How long do I wait before I let my staff know that things are bad? I keep hoping that I can keep it all together, but I don't know anymore. I don't want to lay off anyone yet, but I may not have enough for paychecks. What should I do? -- On the Brink, Seattle

DEAR ON THE BRINK: It is time to figure out your immediate next steps. If you think you will not be able to make payroll now, let your staff know. They have bills and responsibilities and will need to respond accordingly. As you look at the big picture, if you cannot see how you can afford to keep everyone on your staff, think about your options. It may be better to lay off personnel as you shore up your resources. That way they can collect unemployment insurance and take realistic steps to care for themselves. Leaving people in limbo is unkind and not good for your business.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am feeling overwhelmed. I have so much to do that it seems almost pointless to try to do anything. I am weighed down by piles of debt. My home is in disarray. My income is spotty, and my friends are tired of hearing me complain. Recently, I have taken to my bed. I just go to sleep in the middle of the day to shut it all out. I know this is not good. What can I do to turn myself around? -- Afraid, Racine, Mich.

DEAR AFRAID: Thank you for revealing your state. I'm sure it took a lot to state where you are right now. It can seem overwhelming when so much is standing in your way. Yet it is possible to get to a better place.

Start by making a list. You can write topics to organize your list. For example, one topic is bills, another is home, another is personal. Under each, write what needs to get done. Figure out tiny tasks that lead to fulfilling each goal. You can list each creditor you owe on a separate line. Then contact each one to say that you need extra time to pay your bills, and ask for mercy. In your home, list each room or area that needs your attention. Choose a day to work on one thing at a time. If you approach each task as one thing to do rather than the whole job to be done, you make your work more manageable.

By the way, taking a nap is OK. Schedule that, too. Just remember to schedule getting up, moving your body and completing at least one task on your list each day.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a crush on my college professor, and it is driving me crazy. He is so smart and cute, and I just want him to like me as more than his student. I know this probably sounds crazy, but whenever I see him, I can hardly contain myself. He is single, so I'm not trying to date a married man or anything. I am not trying to get him to give me a better grade either. We are both of consenting age. He hasn't let on that he likes me or anything, but school is almost out, and I want to let him know that I like him. As long as I don't take his class anymore, isn't it OK to date him? -- Teacher Crazy, Syracuse, N.Y.

DEAR TEACHER CRAZY: Take a deep breath and calm down. Your hormones have definitely kicked in. The good news is that your teacher is single. The not-so-good news is that you are sounding a bit out of control.

Here's what I recommend: Do nothing yet. Get your grade, and have your class finished completely. Do not reach out to him this summer. Live your life. Do whatever you were going to do during the summer. When you see your former professor in the fall, if you still have feelings for him, ask him if you can talk offline. You can tell him of your interest and see if it is mutual. Depending upon your school's dating policies, and his own, you may or may not be able to pursue this further. Be willing to accept what he suggests.