DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend -- who I grew up with and have known all my life -- lives about 30 minutes away, which is great because we hang out all the time. Her husband is not so happy about that. He is a really nice guy, and I like him, but for some reason he seems to hate that we hang out. He always has to keep tabs on her and makes her come home early. I have never said anything to her, but I think her husband doesn't like me very much. I don't know what to do. I am not going to stop hanging out with her because of him, but I don't want it to hurt her marriage. -- Best Friend, Racine, Mich.

DEAR BEST FRIEND: Could it be that you spend too much time together? If your friend's husband feels like he has to jockey for time with his wife, he could be jealous of your friendship. When people get married, the balance is supposed to shift so that the husband and wife put each other first and ensure that they can spend time together on a regular basis.

I bet if you ease up some on how much time you "steal her away" from her husband, the animosity factor will reduce significantly. He may end up liking you after all, if you can figure out how to share his wife!

DEAR HARRIETTE: Recently, my uncle informed me that one of my cousins had passed away. He sent me a text asking if I am planning to attend the funeral. I think I have seen this particular cousin only about two or three times in my life. The funeral is going to take place in a few days, and I am going to tell my uncle that I will not be in attendance. Do you think I am wrong for not attending the funeral? -- Family Second, Brooklyn, N.Y.

DEAR FAMILY SECOND: While there is no requirement for you to attend this cousin's funeral, there is also no reason for you to be cold about it. Your uncle reached out to include you in an important rite of passage, bringing closure to someone's life. Take the time to talk to your uncle. Ask him how he is doing. Check in to see how he is feeling and if you can do anything to support him.

What's interesting about death is that the grieving is for the living. Your involvement in your cousin's funeral in whatever way it may occur will be for those who are still alive. With that in mind, figure out how you can be a positive contributor to your family in this time of sadness. You may discover a renewed interest in your family, including those who are still living, but with whom you have not been close.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a 20-year-old son, and he has a girlfriend who I just adore; however, I feel as though he may not be treating her as well as he should. I know that he is kind of a player. I don't think he is dating anyone else right now, but he doesn't seem committed. He is bad at calling her back. He forgot her birthday. He is kind of flirty with other girls, even when she is around. I hate that about him. This girl is amazing and has a good head on her shoulders, and for me to say this about my son's girlfriend is new -- he usually dates girls I hate. I really like this one, and I don't want him to screw it up, but I don't want to meddle in his love life because that could backfire. What do you recommend? -- Meddling Mom, Syracuse, N.Y.

DEAR MEDDLING MOM: Your son is young and still figuring out what he wants in life. I recommend that you talk to him about his interests and desires as they pertain to a partner. While he does not need to be thinking about marriage necessarily, it would be wise for him to think about what he likes in a girlfriend and if this young woman meets his interests.

Remind him of good manners in relationships. Tell him what you believe his girlfriend would appreciate. Point out that wandering eyes can be disruptive to a relationship and are disrespectful. Give your son pointers on how to show his girlfriend that he appreciates her, including remembering birthdays and special occasions. You can also tell him how much you like his current girlfriend, but do not talk badly about the others. Emphasize the positive.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I just left my job two weeks ago to travel the world for a year. I worked for a big financial company on Wall Street and made a lot of money, but I wasn't happy. I was responsible before leaving: I saved a lot of money and can afford to do this. I am hoping that this trip will help me find myself, but my sister thinks quitting my job was a bad idea and that I shouldn't take the trip. I think she is wrong. She is worried that I will come home and not be able to find a job. I am willing to take that risk. I'm hoping that the trip will help me figure out what to do next. How can I calm her down? -- World Traveler, New York City

DEAR WORLD TRAVELER: Your sister is not wrong to be concerned about you, but you are right to pursue your dream. You have acted wisely by saving money and making it possible to travel for a year. Tell your sister you love her and appreciate her concern, and that you intend to take the trip and discover your life's next steps.

While traveling, keep a journal and document your experiences. With eyes wide open, explore the world and be ready to embrace the perfect opportunity when it presents itself.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am so embarrassed. As a grown woman, I have started to get acne -- again. I am in menopause, which I have been celebrating, but the last thing I imagined would happen is that I would revert back to my teen years. I shudder at the thought that I will have to go through the trauma I experienced as a teen now that I am over 50. Just remembering those sensitive days makes my stomach hurt. I am single and dating. I don't want to become self-conscious about my face now. OMG! -- Bumpy, Chicago

DEAR BUMPY: I hate to tell you this, but one of the side effects of menopause can be adult-onset acne. Horrible, I know! The good news is you do not have to suffer in pain and shame.

By all means, go to a dermatologist right away. Get a professional evaluation. Your doctor will likely prescribe a way to cleanse your skin along with medication that can help curb your acne.

As with everything in life, each new experience brings ups and downs. Menopause has many surprises for women. Welcome the experience, and get support as you need it. To learn more, read everydayhealth.com/menopause/menopause-and-acne.aspx.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a 41-year-old single woman, and I would like to be married by age 43. Some of my friends think I am crazy because I made a hard-line decision. Currently, the prospects are bleak, but I have the faith that I will find my prince. With every cloud there is a silver lining. I have a male friend who is 41 years and single, and I have known him since we were 17 years old. We dated when were very young. We have always kept in touch during our ups and downs, and we remain friends to this day.

I recently called my male friend to check his temperature about relationships and marriage. To my surprise, he was excited about the possibility of marriage. He even included the idea of having children, and I was pleased with our conversation. I made an informal proposition to him, saying if we are still single by the age of 43, we should become a couple. This is a risky move on my part: You do not know whom we may meet in the next two years. But I like him, and I hope it can happen. Should I wait for my prince, or should I keep my head in the clouds? -- Two Years and Counting, Chicago

DEAR TWO YEARS AND COUNTING: I like the idea of a deadline in the sense that it gets you to focus on attaining something that you want so much -- whether it manifests or not. I also like the idea of your childhood friend as a partner -- if the two of you actually like each other in that way.

What I do not like is the two of you thinking about this as a backup plan. Instead, why not start dating and see if you are compatible? Honor your friendship by figuring out if or how it will evolve.