DEAR HARRIETTE: I have never been particularly interested in nautical life. For Memorial Day, I was invited to sail with friends, and I accepted the offer. As the boat was navigating the waters, the owner of the boat needed help with the ropes and sails. I helped out where I could and thought this would be the end of it.

Now I am receiving invitations to sail with the boat owner. Honestly, I don't like how much work has to be done to get the boat on its way. The engine is shut off for the majority of the ride, and there is just too much to do for me to enjoy the sailing. The constant wondering about knots, ropes and sails doesn't intrigue me whatsoever. I prefer a ride that doesn't involve the boat constantly tipping with the wind.

I think it's a bit crass to simply reply "I don't like sailboats" as a way to deny these invitations. Should I tell a white lie or pretend I have plans instead of being honest? I would hope he'd pick up the hint after the seventh or eighth time. -- Not Rockin' With the Ocean, Baltimore

DEAR NOT ROCKIN' WITH THE OCEAN: If you truly do not want to learn more about the sailing life and possibly grow to love it, tell the truth. Contact the boat owner. Thank him for the invitation and admit that sailing is not your thing. He probably did not sense that since you put your all into it. Let him know, and he should stop asking.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My boyfriend wants to take a break from me. After a heated argument, he told me that he wanted to take a break. I freaked out and accused him of trying to see other people. He clarified that he just wanted a break from talking to me.

I don't want to just leave our relationship on this note for now. I want to talk everything out, but he's been ignoring me for 24 hours. I can't believe he decided to take a break from me without my agreement. We've been together for almost 3 years. I think he should just hold on because I know we can work this out. How do I get my boyfriend to stop ignoring me? -- Phone Isn't Buzzing, Staten Island, New York

DEAR PHONE ISN'T BUZZING: As much as you want to talk to him right now, it is clear that he doesn't want to talk to you. Rather than pushing him to pick up the phone, stand down. Whatever happened between you has caused him to retreat. Perhaps you should take this period to reflect on what sparked the argument, what your role is in it, what his role is in it, and where you would like to take your relationship.

It could be as simple as having some time apart from each other. But it could easily be that you two have reached an impasse. Healing your bond may require more listening and less talking. For sure, you cannot get your boyfriend to do anything until he is ready. Be still and listen to the voice inside for answers.

(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: 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.)