DEAR HARRIETTE: I have decided to attend graduate school in fall 2017 because I do not feel like I am ready to attend this September. I have an extra 11 months to find the necessary monies to fund my graduate degree. Finding the money will be no problem; however, I am scared of taking the GRE and GMAT exams because I do not think I am good test-taker. What are some steps I can take to ease the anxiety of taking these exams? -- On the Clock, Jacksonville, Florida

DEAR ON THE CLOCK: If you are serious about getting into business school, you must do everything you can to prepare for these tests. This is the time for test prep. There are many books available that you can read, along with practice tests that you can take. But you may want to consider enrolling in a class with a live instructor who can guide you in test prep. You can immerse yourself in the readings and practice tests provided by the instructor and receive important feedback about areas where you may need improvement. Look for a class you can attend in person, or look online for a virtual class. Do your best to find one that offers interaction with the teacher.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a 45-year-old screenwriter, and I have submitted my ideas to a numerous television production companies over the past 10 years. I remain hopeful because I am getting positive responses from various media companies for my style of writing. My family has their concerns because they would like me to work a regular job and stop chasing my dream of becoming a television writer.

I am slowly thinking I may have to put my dream of becoming a writer on the shelf, and this has me wondering, is there a time limit on working toward your dream? -- Patiently Waiting, New York City

DEAR PATIENTLY WAITING: On one hand, it's great that you have not given up on your dream. On the other, you really do need to figure out how to support your family consistently and responsibly. Many screenwriters have full-time jobs until they have their big break. It's similar to actors who wait tables until their day comes.

You cannot and should not shirk your responsibilities simply because a dream burns inside you. Chances are, you would do better with your family supporting your dream if you stepped up and showed initiative in putting your family first.

Bottom line: You have to determine if your time is up on this dream. Time is certainly up on you ignoring your family's financial security. Admit that to your family. And take concerted steps to find viable work that will provide some fulfillment for you as it immediately helps to fortify you and your loved ones.

(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.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: After 12 years of marriage and one child, I have diagnosed my husband with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). He completely fits the bill. "David" is an expert liar and manipulator, and he is extremely confident. His confidence and drive originally drew me to him, but over the past few years, he has accused me of having a victim mentality and damaging our relationship because I "refuse" to forgive him.

I didn't know this disorder existed, but now everything makes sense. His deflection, lack of empathy and hardheaded ways all point to NPD.

What can I do? He has been the love of my life, but also the constant wrongdoer in our relationship. His excuse when my friend caught him on a date with another woman? "I told you I was going out with friends." His NPD is pulling our relationship apart, and I don't even know if he cares. -- Love in a Hopeless Place, Cincinnati

DEAR LOVE IN A HOPELESS PLACE: Be wary of making diagnoses when you are not a physician. Since you have suspicions, do your best to get your husband to therapy. If you believe that your husband wants to stay married to you AND if you want to stay married to him, ask him to go to therapy with you so that you can figure out how to work through your problems and get to solid ground. This requires you to spell out to him that you do not trust him based on specific behaviors. Without professional help, it may be impossible for you to get to a manageable place. If he will not go, you should probably go anyway so that you can sort out your feelings and determine your next steps.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I work in a pretty small office. We are in the advertising world, and we work in groups to put together the best campaigns possible. Throughout the year, I've noticed "Bobby" becoming more and more friendly toward me. I thought it was great that we had a friendship, but I made it clear I have a serious boyfriend whom I plan on moving in with.

Two weeks ago, Bobby told me he loves me. I was stunned. I made it clear that I do not reciprocate these feelings, nor would I ever leave my boyfriend for him. Work has been awkward, to say the least. Is there any way to bring work back to the fun and friendly environment it used to be? -- One-Sided Work Relationship, Boston

DEAR ONE-SIDED WORK RELATIONSHIP: Be gentle with Bobby, even though you were clear with him from the start. Remind him that you were open and honest with him from the beginning. Tell him that you appreciate that he cares about you, but your caring for him is and has always been limited to a working relationship. Ask him to work with you to mend the friendship today so that you can continue to work together harmoniously.

(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.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: My ex-boyfriend texts me way too casually. Just a week after our breakup, he texted me with his weekend plans, completely unprovoked. I responded a few hours later, and the conversation ended there. Now he attempts to text me like we didn't date for years! What gives? I thought everyone knew saying that we would "stay friends" is a lie. -- Exes and Nos, Charlotte, NC

DEAR EXES AND NOS: Obviously, your ex didn't get the memo! You need to get in touch with him, preferably not via text. Ask him if the two of you can talk. Then, either face-to-face or on the phone, explain to him that it isn't cool for him to be in touch as if you are old buds. Tell him that you need some space between you and that, even though you hope the two of you will stay pleasant with each other, you are not interested in staying an active part of his life. Wish him well. Tell him you intend to live your life, and he should do the same -- without including you in it.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been bitten by the DIY bug. I redid a dining table and realized we can save so much money by putting a little elbow grease into things we own already. However, my wife disapproves of my new hobby because "it's easier to buy something instead of wasting your time." I acknowledged we didn't need to do the DIY project out of necessity, but because it was fun. We're currently debating why I can't build us a couch instead of buying one. How do I get my wife on the DIY craze? -- Do It on My Own, Berkeley, California

DEAR DO IT ON MY OWN: You two need to come to a meeting of the minds. To get your wife to begin to like your new hobby, you have to create boundaries. Tell her how much you love the DIY scene and that it is bringing you tremendous joy. Ask her to indulge you the space to work on projects around the house. Tell her it is important to you to have her blessing. Ask her what you can do so that she will feel comfortable.

For example, if she really wants to buy a new couch, acquiesce to her if in turn she will give you the freedom to build something else. Try to get your wife to agree on projects before you start them, so that she feels like she still has a say in what goes into her house. People can become irrationally territorial when they feel that their turf is threatened. If the home was once her domain, your new interest in building things for it may have gotten her off balance. By acknowledging that and ensuring her that you are not trying to take over, but, instead, hoping to contribute, you may be able to win her over.

(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.)