DEAR HARRIETTE: I love utilizing social media to document my weight loss. I have been posting progress photos to a few of my social media pages, but I have been getting unsupportive comments. Normally, I would know to not listen to anonymous naysayers on the internet, but these are people I know! People think I am bragging every time I post a photo. I am just happy with my body, and they can unfollow me if they so please. Yet none of them do that. Why don't those with negative energy just unfollow me? I am not asking for them to see my pictures. -- Too Many Haters, Paramus, New Jersey

DEAR TOO MANY HATERS: Social media can swing different ways, especially for people who are documenting significant success in their lives. Weight loss ranks high among the topics that can trigger odd reactions. That said, if you are finding it helpful to post your successes on social media as a way to keep you honest and steadfast, continue to post. If, however, you are feeling shaken by the commentary that is coming your way from random social media contacts and friends, you may want to consider creating a smaller group that allows a specific group of like-minded participants to share your journey. What is most important for you is to surround yourself with people who will be supportive of your journey to a healthier body.

I recommend that you share your victories and defeats. Sharing your vulnerabilities makes you real and also balances your excitement about your success with the sobering other side of when things are not so easy. This will draw true supporters.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My roommate is going through legal troubles and has been accompanied by a sheriff wherever she goes. This has led to awkward situations involving me lounging at home and her coming in to "grab something" while a state trooper follows her. She has been barely communicating with me other than to tell me that "someone" will come by to collect her furniture.

I feel like I deserve to know more information about what is going on, but I feel like prying into her legal woes is invasive. Can I be asking more questions considering I live in the same home as her? -- My Rights, Washington, D.C.

DEAR MY RIGHTS: You do have the right to understand what is going on with your roommate under these conditions. To soften your inquiry, tell her that you wish you could honor her privacy completely, but because of the intrusion of state troopers in your home, you really need to know what is going on with her. Ask her to tell you what her legal troubles are specifically, if she will be able to continue paying her rent and what you can expect to experience in the future regarding her legal situation. If she is unwilling to reveal details, do some research. Review your lease, too. In case your roommate is arrested or otherwise becomes unable to pay her rent, you need to be ready to protect yourself. You may need to consult an attorney about this.

(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: I am a single 28-year-old woman. Aging terrifies me, and I started preventative Botox recently. I got called out at the Thanksgiving table by my aunt, who asked if I had work done. I sweetly replied, "Only as much as you," because she is an avid denier of her obvious plastic surgery. She was livid and complained to my mother about my behavior.

My mom has asked me to apologize to my aunt to keep the rest of the holidays civil. I refuse and think she should apologize to me. Who is right? -- Not Apologizing, Los Angeles

DEAR NOT APOLOGIZING: Your aunt was insensitive, but so were you. One way for you to nip this in the bud (pun intended) is to reach out to your aunt and tell her that you did not mean to offend her with your quip, but her question at the Thanksgiving table caught you off guard. The two of you have more in common than you realize. Why not go all the way and tell your aunt that you have started paying closer attention to how aging is affecting you, as you believe she also does. Just as she doesn't seem to want to talk about it, neither do you. Ask her if you can agree to a truce. Either agree not to address either of your treatments at all, or agree to discuss your secrets only in private.

DEAR HARRIETTE: Not many people know that I grew up in a foster home. I typically avoid this topic because I hate seeing people become uncomfortable or pity me just because my upbringing was different than theirs. I developed a great work ethic and an unconventional family of siblings, but I keep this to myself. Is there any way to share my background without making anyone uncomfortable? -- Untraditional, Washington, D.C.

DEAR UNTRADITIONAL: Your level of comfort with your childhood and your life is the most important thing. When you can share details of your upbringing with people to satisfy their curiosity and put them at ease, you will be able to manage your relationships better. Many people grew up in foster homes and have gone on to build wonderful lives. Honestly, most people have aspects of their lives that are less than spectacular. Most families have challenging relationships and other conflicts that can and often do scar family members. It is good for you to know this to gain perspective.

I recommend that you reflect on your growing-up years, pick out happy memories that you can share and then be prepared to talk about your early life in a way that is comfortable for you. You do not have to tell everyone straightaway that you grew up in a foster home. Share what you want to share, never lying, but also never feeling compelled to spill your guts just because someone asks. With practice, you will learn what the balance of information is that you should share based on the moment.

(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: I called off my wedding with my fiance. I didn't tell anyone that he cheated on me for years because I want my family to still respect the father of my child. What I didn't expect was the backlash onto me. I was trying to help my daughter and myself but now my family thinks I've ruined my ex's life by calling off the wedding. I did what is best for my child and me, but I don't think my family will see this unless I tell them the truth. Is it wise to reveal this secret? -- All His Fault, Sag Harbor, New York

DEAR ALL HIS FAULT: The saying, "The truth will set you free," is real. Your family members have a false understanding of the downfall of your relationship. Since there is a child involved and your ex will remain in your life in some way, you should come clean with your family. Sit them down and talk. Explain that you had wanted to keep your personal business private, especially given its sensitive nature. But since they are of the false notion that you are somehow destroying his life, it's time for you to speak up. Without going into all of the details, acknowledge that your ex cheated on you repeatedly, that you stayed for whatever reasons you had at the time and that ultimately you had the strength to walk away. Tell them that you do not want your child to know this, as it would be unproductive and hurtful. Add that you do not want them to jump in and provide their commentary or input. Make it known that you are telling them only so that they would have some perspective and back off.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am not the prettiest or skinniest girl. Although I know this, my mother makes it her mission to point this out to me anytime she sees an unflattering photo or outfit. She constantly tells me to wear different makeup and clothing, and to change my diet. I confronted her about comments she's made to me, and she wasn't apologetic -- quite the opposite, actually. I thought talking to her would solve this, and now my blood just boils anytime she shares her nasty opinions. What is there left to say to the woman who won't see my worth past my appearance? -- More to Life, Boston

DEAR MORE TO LIFE: I am so sorry to hear this. I wonder if your mother suffered from body consciousness issues when she was your age, or if she does now? It seems that she is worrying about something that is rooted more deeply than your personal appearance. You may want to ask her if something happened in her youth that has gotten her to be hypersensitive to how you look.

Beyond this, I recommend that you look for outside role models who will support you and see your value as you are. This could be a godmother, teacher, guidance counselor, minister, etc. You need someone in your life who is loving, supportive and non-judgmental to help you make smart decisions about your health, appearance and overall well-being. Hyper-criticism rarely leads to positive self image.

(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.)