DEAR HARRIETTE: School has started, and I am worried sick. I know there's always a chance that children can and do catch germs from one another, but this year seems worse than ever. Is there a way that I can ensure my child remains healthy this school semester? I am concerned about the enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) cold virus that is spreading around the country. How can I protect my children? -- Cautious Mom, West Orange, New Jersey

DEAR CAUTIOUS MOM: You have every right to be worried. This virus, which was discovered back in the 1960s, has shown up this year in 22 states with about 160 people diagnosed with the illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It is an illness that affects the respiratory system, so children (and adults) who suffer from asthma or other illnesses that compromise the respiratory system are being advised to be particularly cautious.

In general, the measures being recommended to reduce one's likelihood of contracting this disease are the very things we are advised to do anyway: Wash your hands in warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; and avoid kissing, hugging and sharing cups or eating utensils with sick people. I would add that you should tell your children never to eat other children's food. Stay in touch with their teachers so that you are aware if other children are getting sick.

For more information from the Centers for Disease Control, visit cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/ev-d68.html.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am so embarrassed. I was at a business function and saw a number of people. When I reached out to shake hands and introduce myself, several of them immediately said that we had previously met. They seemed to be indignant that I did not remember them or their names. I admit that I meet a lot of people and do not always remember everyone. How can I do a better job of acknowledging people so that they aren't insulted if I don't really remember them? -- Wanting to Please, Syracuse, New York

DEAR WANTING TO PLEASE: I often do not remember people's names and sometimes do not remember that I met people in the first place. Over the years, I realized that what people want most is to be seen and acknowledged. So I generally greet people by warmly saying hello, saying it is lovely to see them and stating my name. Even if they have met me before, I think that is wise, because people do not always remember names. If I am unsure of their name, I may ask, "Would you remind me of your name?" In that way, I am not being rude, but I am letting them know that I very much want to know who they are.

Now, if you do that on more than one occasion with the same person, chances are the person will be a bit miffed. Because I know my propensity to forget names, I do my best to help others know who I am. I do not take it personally if they need a refresher. If you are kind and welcoming, you create space for them to be kind as well.

(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 married a man after only knowing him for one month! We met in May 2012, and we got married in June 2012. It was a lot of fun at first, but lately I don't like being married to him at all. After only two years, I am ready to call it quits, but deep down I want to save my marriage. Do you have any tips on how I can do that? -- Ran to the Altar, Chicago

DEAR RAN TO THE ALTAR: You two need to slow down, look each other in the face and talk openly about your relationship. Clearly, something attracted you to each other enough for you to take the leap to formalize your commitment. Revisit those early days. What was it that you liked about him? Ask him what he liked about you.

Next, look at how you have lived your life. Did you make a plan for what you wanted to do together? Did you have an idea of how you wanted your marriage to unfold? Many people do not, and then somewhere along the way, they figure out that they need to set an intention together for the future. Before you throw in the proverbial towel, talk to your husband about what you think is not working, and ask him if he is willing to work with you to strengthen your bond. Give yourselves a chance to consciously build your marriage.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I drink an alcoholic beverage about four times a year. I am scared because I feel like I may binge the next time I drink. I do not want that to happen to me because I do not like the feeling of being drunk. What can I do to ensure I will not fall off the wagon in the future? -- Cautious Drinker, Brooklyn, New York

DEAR CAUTIOUS DRINKER: Ask yourself the tough questions. Why do you drink so infrequently? Is it because you do not really like to drink, or is it because you are afraid that you cannot control your drinking? If it is the latter, you are better off just not drinking at all. Clearly, you have the ability to resist the temptation to drink, given how infrequently you do it. You may just want to commit to the notion of not including alcoholic beverages on your consumption list.

If you do not think it is a problem, you can avoid getting drunk by eating before drinking and limiting your alcoholic intake to one or two drinks. People tend to get drunk when they don't monitor their consumption. Being cautious is wise.

A few ways to practice being cautious when you are at a social function include: getting hydrated before you arrive at the event, drinking water in between drinks, staying away from the bar, talking to people in other areas of the room and not accepting a drink when offered. If you do not want to drink at all, you can let your friends know that you will be the designated driver for the evening. That will prompt them not to offer you drinks.

(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 just learned that one of my neighbors is about to be evicted. She and her family have lived in my building for generations. They are among the few who are left of the old guard, so to speak. I don't know what happened to make it so they haven't been able to pay their rent, nor is it my business. But if it is really true, I feel like I want to reach out to the family matriarch and see how she's doing. I don't know how much they owe, but I wish I could do something to help. How can I approach her without offending her? -- Reaching Out, Bronx, New York

DEAR REACHING OUT: You have to be careful here, because this woman's business is not yours. Plus, you may not have the resources to help her. If she really is being evicted in New York City, where the laws generously favor the tenant, it is likely that she owes a significant amount of money.

You can approach your neighbor by saying you wanted to check in on her to see how she's doing. Inquire about her and her family. Tell her you have been thinking about her and wanted to let her know that she is on your mind. Listen to what she has to say. There's a good chance she won't mention eviction. If she doesn't, you should not either. Just be present and kind to her. Let her take it from there.

DEAR HARRIETTE: One of my employees is way too talkative. He comes to work with a pleasant attitude, which I appreciate. But he also comes with stories, and for the first half-hour or so, he feels compelled to chat up whoever is around him. I recognize the need for some social interaction on the job, but we are a small firm and we have a ton of work to do. How can I curb his chattiness without dashing his spirits? -- Put a Plug in It, Detroit

DEAR PUT A PLUG IN IT: This fellow probably considers himself a leader. He prides himself on having a good attitude and connecting with the team. Draw on that aspect of his personality. Meet privately with him and thank him for his positive attitude. Point out that you consider him a strong presence on your team and that you believe other team members often follow his lead. To that end, tell him that you need him to manage his storytelling to ensure that everybody gets to work more quickly. Let him know that you have noticed that he enjoys sharing stories of his life, and that's OK for about five minutes. After that, you need him to direct the conversation to work-related topics. Tell him he can be a tremendous help to you in upping the group's productivity because he is a leader in your organization. Invite him to help you get the team to work.

(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.)