DEAR HARRIETTE: My neighbors down the block constantly leave their child unattended outside. This child has developmental issues but is still able-bodied. He doesn't appear to have any friends because he constantly plays outside alone. This makes me nervous -- no one is watching him!

He is 9 years old, but his developmental problems always make me uncomfortable when I see him playing a few feet away from the street. I just want him to stay safe. I know his parents condone this behavior because he is outdoors, but he is unsupervised. Is there anything I could say to his parents that wouldn't be accusing them of being neglectful? I know this child being so close to the road and unattended makes other neighbors uncomfortable. -- Too Close to the Pavement, Syracuse, NY

DEAR TOO CLOSE TO THE PAVEMENT: I have a big question for you. Is there any chance that you would be willing to hang out with this child sometimes when you are at home and notice him outside? I ask because it sounds like the family could use some support. Being a good neighbor can include lending a hand when it's obviously needed. In this case, if you offered to play in the yard with the child for a while, it could help to keep the child safe. After you get to know the parents better, you could more easily mention that you think it's unsafe for him to play so close to the road.

I recently worked on a project with State Farm. They conducted a study to learn who people think a good neighbor is today. High on the list was that a good neighbor looks out for other neighbors. In my book, your walking across the street and offering a bit of your time would make you an excellent neighbor. To learn more about this study, go to http://bit.ly/1TS7Xk9.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I spent too much of my money and have found myself in a bind for cash. It's too late to return the clothing, food and beauty treatments I've gotten. I have a part-time job as a nanny, but it's not lucrative. I mentioned my financial woes to one of my friends, and he told me that he gambles online for money. When I questioned the legality of this, he admitted that the website is located outside of the country, which is what makes this online sports gambling endeavor legal.

I have never participated in anything like this, but the money is really drawing me in. This all seems legitimate, and my friend claims it helps him make hundreds of dollars. This can't be a scam because my friend told me about the legitimacy of this gambling ... right? -- Need Fast Cash, Boston

DEAR NEED FAST CASH: I have never heard a happy ending related to gambling -- ever. Well, one exception is the state lottery, where every thousandth or millionth person gets a windfall.

Resist the temptation, as it promises a higher likelihood of greater debt soon down the line. Other options include finding a second job, asking family members or loved ones for a gift or a loan, or becoming extremely lean in your lifestyle and expenses until you recoup.

(Harriette Cole is a life stylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a commuter and take the train. On a few occasions, I've had a sleepless night and end up falling asleep on the train. The few times I've done this I wake up in the station and am almost late for work. I'm thankful I've never had anything stolen from me.

I've been seeing commuters who fall asleep on the train and don't wake up when the train pulls into the final stop. Should I wake them up? I know sleep is important, but I always feel bad passing someone by who is still sleeping in work clothes at 8 a.m. on the train. What if they have somewhere to be? Are there any etiquette rules that say I shouldn't be gently nudging someone to wake them up? -- No Snooze Button, Westchester, New York

DEAR NO SNOOZE BUTTON: My first inclination is to suggest that you tell the conductor or whoever is actually working on the train that someone is sleeping in a particular car. Then, that official person can wake the sleeping passenger.

If that does not seem possible, then yes, you can attempt to wake the person. Be sure to stand in front of the person so that when he or she awakens, you are immediately visible. Try speaking loudly to wake the person up without touching. If your voice alone doesn't work, put your hand on his or her arm with a firm tap. The other option is the hand, as long as it is not in the person's lap. Basically, think about how you would like to be awakened, surely with tenderness and respect. Do the same.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am older than one of my friends, and she is taking a class I took a few years ago. In this digital age, I still have every paper and assignment I completed for it. She is asking me for my online folder from the class.

I don't particularly care about keeping my work private and want to know if there are any possible repercussions of giving my friend my files. I have graduated and am independent. Is there any way the school would try to link this back to me? If not, she can take all of my work that she needs! -- Sharing isn't Caring, Dallas

DEAR SHARING ISN'T CARING: If you think your notes can help your friend to study better, that's one thing. If you believe she would actually use them as cheat sheets, do not share them. In order for your friend to learn the material, she has to study and do the work. An alternative way of helping her could be to tutor her if you have time to devote to that.

While your school may not care at all about your sharing your folder, your friend really does need to learn the subject. Don't deprive her of that by turning everything over to her.

(Harriette Cole is a life stylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have recently cut ties with many of my friends because I realized that our relationship was one-sided. Unfortunately, this has left me with only two or three friends. I decided that it wasn't good for me to be around negative people and have relationships that took more from me than I gained, but is it too high of an expectation for me to be friends with someone who cares the same amount for me as I do for them? I don't tend to get lonely, and I'd much rather have a few good friends than many fake ones, but I'm scared that this new attitude will restrict me in creating new friendships. -- Feeling Demanding, New Orleans

DEAR FEELING DEMANDING: My mother used to tell us that you are lucky if you have two or three friends. I have learned over time that there are plenty of people I like and who I consider friendly. But the people who are part of my inner circle get to be there based on experience, mutual love and respect. Yes, those people should be the ones who care about you in the ways that you appreciate and need. Anybody who does not treat you with respect does not deserve to get too close to your heart.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend got asked to prom by a boy in our grade whom she likes as a friend and wouldn't mind going to prom with. She was hoping another guy would ask her, so she told him she wasn't sure yet. Now, the guy she was hoping for did ask her, and she is conflicted whether she should say yes. She doesn't want to be hurtful to the first guy because he is really nice, but if he sees her with someone else at prom, it would be awkward because she told him no. -- Indecisive, Cincinnati

DEAR INDECISIVE: Had your friend agreed to go to the prom with the first boy, I would say she should honor the commitment. She should have told him a clear "No, thank you," when he first asked. Because she didn't, the situation is now awkward. She has the right to go to the prom with the boy she wants to go with. What she should do out of respect to the other boy is to double back to him. She should thank him again for the invitation but let him know that she is going with someone else. She should apologize for not telling him from the beginning. If she is sincere with him about being sorry that she may have hurt his feelings, she will at least come across as authentic. It won't change that her not being direct from the start led to this uncomfortable situation right now. But it may allow for him to save face and for them to maintain a respectful relationship.

(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)