DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter is entering her senior year of high school, and she told me two days ago that she would like to be an engineer because math is easy for her. I was surprised because I thought she would go college to get a degree in fashion. She's designed her own clothes since she was 6 years old. I am big fan of my daughter, and I would like to know what I can do to continue to fuel her desire to become an engineer? -- Momma Wants Best, St. Louis

DEAR MOMMA WANTS BEST: First, as it relates to your daughter's interest in fashion, know that she does not have to give up that passion. It can remain a hobby for her. It could also be incorporated into her work as an engineer if she decides to marry the two fields. An example of this is that there are many fabrics that are made now thanks to technology that designs intricate patterns. It took engineering to make that happen.

As far as your daughter's interest in engineering, the best thing you can do for her is expose her to the field as soon as possible. There are many internships available that provide a window into the world of engineering. The Department of Homeland Security runs a great national program for college juniors and seniors (when she's old enough). You can learn more about it at dhs.gov/national-hs-stem-summer-internship-program.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I keep seeing those commercials about getting a free credit report. I was always afraid to get mine because I know my credit sucks. I have been out of work for four years now. I do odd jobs to make money, but I have a lot of debt that I pay off sporadically depending upon how much money I have in any given month. So I got my report, and it sucks worse than I thought. I am at a loss for what to do. Without real income, I don't know how to get my finances in order. -- Drowning in Debt, Syracuse, New York

DEAR DROWNING IN DEBT: Congratulations on speaking up about your situation. It can be difficult to ask for help when you feel that your situation is hopeless, but know that yours is not hopeless! I highly recommend that you get expert help. Just as you would go to the doctor if you were ill, you should go to a financial adviser to help get your finances healthy again. One option is going to the unemployment office to request free support in getting out of debt. The extra benefit there is that you may gain wisdom on how to re-enter the job market. You can also read about debt reduction and take steps to chip away at the debt you do have whenever possible.

One organization that can help you for free is greenpath.com. It offers full financial support services, including developing a customized budget for you based on your needs along with an action plan for how to get out of debt. By working with such an organization, you can get to the other side, even in your current circumstances.

(Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: I think my husband is tuning me out when I talk to him. He does not respect my opinion, even though I know more than he does, and he disregards what I have to say. I am getting tired of his immature behavior, and I would like to know how could I get my husband to listen to me. -- Dearly Beloved, Queens, New York

DEAR DEARLY BELOVED: It sounds like you do not respect your husband, either. It takes two to cultivate loving respect in a relationship. When you say you know more, what are you talking about? To make such a statement implies that you are smarter and more knowledgeable about "everything" than he is. Even if you have the highest IQ in the country, you are not likely to know more about every subject than your husband. So stop acting like a know-it-all.

The way to constructive communication is to treat each other with respect. That means that you must believe that what he says is valuable and worth hearing, just as he believes that same about you. To get him to listen to you may work best if you start by listening to him. Ask him about his day and look at him when he tells you. Ask him questions so that he reveals greater detail about what interested him. Listen closely and affirm that you have heard what he is saying. When it is your turn to talk -- after he has completely finished his story -- ask him if you can tell him about your day. Choose one compelling story to share with him, something you believe he may find interesting. Tell him the story, but resist telling multiple stories at once. Practice sharing bits at a time rather than inundating your husband with too much information. Remember to ask him his thoughts. Take your time and rebuild your bond through mutual respect.

DEAR HARRIETTE: Taking my wife out to a restaurant is very challenging for me because my wife comments on everything when it comes to ordering her food. She requires that her potatoes be at room temperature, she needs three ice cubes in her cup and her broccoli spears have to be dipped in butter for five seconds. I say to myself, "Who makes these requests?" Well, my wife does. She is particular about everything. One of our children went to nine colleges before graduating with his bachelor's degree because she did not like the direction the schools were going. We kept searching until we found the right one. Is there a way I can get her to calm down? Do you think we should seek professional help? -- Need Some Help, Chicago

DEAR NEED SOME HELP: Your wife sounds extraordinarily particular, which understandably can be annoying. It may be just how she is. But it is also possible that she has obsessive-compulsive disorder. You could have her evaluated by a mental health professional who should be able to help her develop ways to reduce the degree of intensity that she brings to her various choices and decisions throughout the day. To learn more about OCD, read: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ocd/basics/symptoms/con-20027827.

(Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: I hired a woman to help me clean my apartment, and it's not working out so well. She is very sweet and trustworthy, which is important. A friend who knew I needed help at a low price recommended her, but she is not very good. For example, when she cleaned the bathroom, she didn't move anything, so the corners were dirty. So was the mirror above the sink. When I told her about it, she went back and cleaned better, but pretty much everything she cleans is incomplete. Don't get me wrong: I appreciate her help. My place is a mess. But I want it to get clean, and I don't think she can do it. Do you think there's something I can say to her that will help her to be better? Or should I fire her and hire somebody else? -- Cleaning Up, Detroit

DEAR CLEANING UP: Given that you are attempting to clean your home and also learning how to maintain it, you may want to stick it out with this woman and work together room by room. You have a sense of what you want to be done in your home, but you have not been doing it. Show her what you expect in terms of thoroughness. Teach her to clean to your specifications. What you may discover is that as you are teaching her, you are also teaching yourself.

Now, there is another school of thought on this one. You could also hire a true professional who can come in and clean your house thoroughly and quickly. What you will likely miss out on in that experience is the opportunity for personal growth.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I got into an argument with an old friend about a beef we had when we were in our teens. We were hanging out like old times, and after a few drinks, this stuff just came up and we didn't handle it well. We were yelling and cursing and acting like 15-year-old idiots in 35-year-old bodies. It was embarrassing. And now it's awkward. We really like each other, and the old stuff is so petty now. But our fight was real. I'm not sure how to patch things up. Can you help? -- Bury the Past, Washington, D.C.

DEAR BURY THE PAST: Inebriation and old wounds -- that's a recipe for disaster. It also is an explanation for how past issues come to the fore. Contact your friend and apologize for the argument the other night. Acknowledge that you believe you two never resolved your teenage point of contention. Point out the fact that being intoxicated exacerbated a ticking time bomb. Tell your friend that you are very sorry that things got out of control, and make it clear that you want to forgive each other and rekindle your friendship in the here and now.

(Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)