DEAR HARRIETTE: I like to read, and I rarely watch TV. This may be no surprise to you, but I have learned that I am not like most people. As I talk to my friends at work or in the neighborhood, mostly they talk about popular TV shows. Rarely if ever do they talk about a book they've read. That's fine. I'm not judging them. However, I am feeling isolated. I would love to meet some people who enjoy reading like I do. I don't even have a TV anymore because I realized I wasn't watching it. I have to believe that there are a few people left out there who are like me. I want to connect with some of these folks. How do I do that? -- Off Screens, Washington, D.C.

DEAR OFF SCREENS: Do not be dismayed. There are plenty of people who make the choice to read a book rather than watch TV. What you may want to do is look for book clubs that gather to discuss the types of books that you like. You can look them up online or ask your local library. Go to literary events where authors come to talk about their work and sign books. Generally, readers show up at these events, and you will likely meet like-minded people from your community there. Frequent the few bookstores that remain as brick-and-mortar buildings. Throughout the year, bookstores work hard to attract customers, often with incentives that draw in avid readers.

As far as your friends are concerned, do your best not to pass judgment on them because they make different choices than you do. Accept them for who they are, as you want them to accept you. By expanding your friend group, you will be able to enjoy your preferences more and naturally feel less pressure for your other friends to conform.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am trying very hard to teach my children to pick up after themselves and be responsible. This is not a new lesson, but as my son approaches puberty, I find that everything that he learned seems to have gone out the window. I ask him to pick up his clothes off the floor, but he grumbles and doesn't do it. It usually takes four or five times to get him to pay attention. I don't want to fuss with him all the time, but I haven't figured out how to get him to do the basics that have always been his responsibilities. Do I punish him daily? How can I get him to step up? -- Consequences, St. Louis

DEAR CONSEQUENCES: Why not have a refresher meeting with your son? Pick a time of day on the weekend when you can get his full attention. Tell him you want to talk to him about the future. Ask him what he's thinking about these days. Don't push too much, but do your best to get him to talk.

Then tell him that as he is growing up, it is really important that he learn how to be responsible at home, at school, in his friendships -- pretty much everywhere. Ask him to agree to be more mindful of his belongings and his home duties. Assure him that his actions reflect his values and point to his integrity or lack thereof. Encourage him to step up for himself and his family. When he forgets, remind him of his integrity.

DEAR READERS: On this day of national pause, I wonder about generations past when the great tragedies made us reflect on who we are and what we value. Historically, there have always been wars. There have always been people who felt someone wronged them, and as a result, they retaliated. A constant contemplation for me that becomes amplified when we remember the horrors of 9/11 is far more personal than what those sinister people did to ravage our country.

My contemplation is about what we are doing and what we can do to live our national and familial values. Why do I go personal at a time when people are recalling the unimaginable atrocities that befell our nation? Because this is where we individually have control. Given the constant news stories about American citizens who are making choices to hurt each other, I feel certain that on a local, family and even individual level, we can refresh our choices so that they can better serve us and the people around us.

I listened to a sermon recently given by The Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, from New York City's Abyssinian Baptist Church. He was talking about the notion of being our brother's keeper -- and what that really means. It was a powerful sermon that put forth the idea that it is indeed the responsibility of each of us to take care of one another. And yet, in the hustle and bustle of our lives, too often we forget our loved ones. He spoke about the fratricide that is ravaging our communities on a daily and sometimes hourly basis. He reminded us that some people literally do not remember to check in on their siblings, their parents, their children. He cautioned us that it is our duty to be conscious about our actions and to choose to take actions that will uplift those in our midst in every way that we can.

This notion of being our brother's keeper resonated with me and bubbled forth as I began thinking once again about 9/11. I remember that day, as do all of you. It started as a seemingly perfect day: blue skies, warm temperature. And then the world changed. Yet every day throughout our nation, violations of our humanity occur. And these violations cannot always be pinned on foreigners who hate us, because they are also occurring among us and caused by us. How can we change this? How can we choose to care for those in our immediate families, in our neighborhoods and communities, on our jobs, in our legislatures, all around us? What will it take for us to begin to regularly and consciously make choices that can make it possible for all of us to prosper?

I do not think that these questions are lofty. I actually believe that there is enough abundance on this great Earth that all of us can be comfortable and live to our fullest. To do so, however, I believe we have to make choices that give us space to see that there is enough room for everyone, and that we do not have to push each other out of the way. I do not want another tragedy like 9/11 or the murders in Chicago or Ferguson or Baltimore or anywhere else. We have had enough bloodshed. Let's choose a more peaceful route to fulfilling our lives.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My boyfriend and I have been dating for about eight months. He is a great guy, and we get along very well. He is very generous and open, which is refreshing for me. I have had some weird relationships in the past. I feel very fortunate. One thing, however, feels a little too intimate for me. My boyfriend thinks we should share a toothbrush. He has it in his head that this is a sign that we are really close and that we have nothing to hide. I think it is unbelievably gross. I was taught that nobody should share toothbrushes for any reason. I'm not a prude, but I believe in cleanliness. How do I address this without upsetting my boyfriend? I have no intention of giving in to this idea. -- Solo Brushing, Salt Lake City

DEAR SOLO BRUSHING: Celebrate your boyfriend for the things that you love about him and your relationship, and draw the line where it doesn't make sense. Speak up for yourself and let your boyfriend know that you do not consider sharing a toothbrush to be hygienic. Tell him you appreciate his desire to be romantic and intimate, but that you draw the line at this action.

If he gets upset about this, you must continue the conversation. This is ultimately about values. You two must talk about everything from hygiene to sex to family values. Put it all out on the table so that you can learn where your points of intersection are and where you disagree. Consider this a good thing, as it is sparking a deeper conversation that you will need to have if you hope to evolve your relationship.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I sent pictures of my son to my siblings to show them how much he has grown over the summer. It was a simple, pleasant exchange. One sibling is prone to a foul mouth, and sure enough, his comments about my kid were laced with profanity. That wasn't so bad in and of itself. We know him, after all. The bad part was that another sibling's email goes to her corporate job. She told me that it was unacceptable for profanity to be coming in through her work server. I felt so bad. I have been sending photos and messages for years without ever causing a problem. I'm mad that my brother spoiled it, too. What should I do now? -- Violated, Detroit

DEAR VIOLATED: Ask your sister to create a personal email address if she doesn't have one already. From now on, send all of your communications to her via that address so that nothing you are party to is inappropriate at her workplace. You might also tell your brother that his foul mouth had negative implications for your sister.

Mostly, it's best for everyone to keep personal communications personal and professional communication all business. Furthermore, it is wise only to post content on any platform that you believe would be appropriate for anyone to see.