DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm a blue-collar workingman, and I would like to expand my reading selection. I currently look at the sports section of the local newspapers. From time to time, I read magazines as well. Can you recommend some books that I might find interesting? -- Bill, Richmond, Virginia

DEAR BILL: Many people don't read these days, but it's wonderful that you have taken an interest in the subject. Reading can transport you to all kinds of experiences. Why not start simply? Read the whole newspaper each day rather than just the sports section. Go to the library and look through books in different sections that intrigue you. Because you like sports, consider a novel with a sports theme. What else interests you? Travel? Cars? Home improvement? Art? Money management? Look around and see what topics spark your interest.

If it feels daunting to choose something, ask a librarian for help. You can also look in the local newspaper for news on the latest book offerings to see what others are recommending.

Get a library card, and check out a couple of books that seem interesting. Set aside time to read each day when you are ready to relax. Many people find that reading before bed is a great way to ease into sleep.

If you become animated about a particular book, seek out other readers who share your passion. This may require you to add other friends to your social sphere.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I share a cubicle with someone who has bad breath. Every time I offer my co-worker a stick of gum, she politely declines. I don't know what to say to her without being rude. Do you have any suggestions? -- Jamal, Bronx, New York

DEAR JAMAL: I can't tell you how often I receive some version of this question. It has come with such frequency that I have done quite a bit of research on mouth odor, and I have discovered that bad breath can actually serve as a health warning. Mouth odor, especially chronic bad breath, can be a sign of illness, anything from gum disease to intestinal problems. Of course, it can also mean that the person doesn't practice good dental hygiene or that the person has eaten strong-smelling food in the past 24 hours.

How do you address this? Whatever the reason, it will be awkward to approach her. Still, I recommend that if her breath offends you, speak up out of respect for her. Privately tell her that you've noticed that sometimes she has sour breath and you thought she would want to know, because it may be a sign of illness. She will likely bristle, but if you state it plainly, she will hear you.

(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 am torn. I have recently applied for a position that could be a dream job. Then I learned of another opportunity that could be awesome, too. I expect to hear from the first place soon, and I am not sure what I should do. If offered the first job, I figure I should take it. It represents job security and is a kind of big deal. But the other job is creative and more up my alley. I long for a creative environment, but I have financial responsibilities and don't know if it's wise to pass up a big job. Never mind that I haven't been offered anything yet. I'm trying to figure out my next steps. What do you think? -- Nell, Tacoma, Washington

DEAR NELL: It's time for you to be still. You should meditate on your options so you can listen to the still voice inside that can guide you to the right decision. I received advice years ago about a decision similar to yours -- a choice between two work opportunities -- and I was told that whenever you have a choice to make, choose that which will bring you closer to God. When neither is more immediately leading you there, do the practical thing. I have contemplated that wisdom many times over the years. I recommend that you do this now. Then you will be ready to respond to whatever offer is presented to you.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I met a money manager at a seminar recently. The woman was kind, and she made me feel comfortable about discussing money. I know that she's looking for clients who have lots of money to invest, which I do not. But you have to start somewhere, right? I feel that I want to talk to her about investing what little I have, but I don't want to be embarrassed when she learns that I only have a small amount of money. How should I approach her? -- Jenny, Salt Lake City

DEAR JENNY: Stepping into the investment waters can seem daunting, especially when it's new to you. Trust me, it doesn't matter that you have a small amount to invest. If you are serious about learning how to save and invest your money, someone will be interested in helping you. Since you liked this woman, give her a call. Ask her if you can set up a meeting to discuss investments, and let her know straightaway that you have limited resources. Tell her that you are interested in learning more and in cultivating a long-term relationship with an investment adviser who will help grow your money over time. If the money manager is interested, have the meeting. If not, go to your bank and see if a bank investment officer can get you started.

(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: A boy in my nephew's class came to school wearing the same clothes two days in a row. My nephew was the ringleader in bad-mouthing the kid. When my nephew came home and told his dad, my brother told him that he should be more sensitive. Who knows why the boy wore the same clothes. Something could have happened. My brother told me that he doesn't believe that the message got through. I want to help teach my nephew how to have better manners. What can I do? -- Brian, Gallup, New Mexico

DEAR BRIAN: Your nephew participated in bullying, a practice that is reaching epidemic proportions in our culture right now. With your brother's permission, you can talk to your nephew about how to treat people. Sometimes this works well when you paint a picture of a scene where someone is being mistreated. Ask him how he would feel if someone treated him in that way. Talk to your nephew about tolerance and about how to actively practice kindness when engaging with others.

Once you get him talking, ask him directly about the situation in which he bad-mouthed the boy. Ask him why he thinks the boy wore the same clothes. Ask him how he would feel if his classmates had taunted him. Encourage him to think positively about others and to resist leading or joining a crowd of kids who are treating anyone in a mean way.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend's mother has dementia. Right now, she's living with my friend, but my friend wants her mom to move back to the Midwest, where the pace is slower and family is around to care for her. Her mom doesn't want to go. But her condition seems to be worsening, and my friend cannot afford to pay for home care. She's worried that her mom will get hurt if she stays at home alone. Anything could happen. How can I support my friend? -- April, Staten Island, New York

DEAR APRIL: Your friend is going through a rough time. Dementia is certainly hard for her mother, but likely even harder for your friend to handle. Not only does she feel responsible for caring for her mom, she's also watching her lose awareness. That can be devastating for family members to witness. Still, your friend may be right. If there is more support at the family homestead, the wise choice might be to move her mom there.

You can recommend that she reach out to family members and begin an active dialogue about her mother's state of being and their interest in welcoming her home. Your friend doesn't have to handle this on her own. She should ask her family to participate.

(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.)