DEAR HARRIETTE: My nephew, who is about to graduate from college, has always been somewhat of a lady’s man. He has good manners, but he has had a lot of girlfriends over the years. His last girlfriend got his name put on a necklace that she used to wear all the time. I noticed that he has a new girlfriend now, and I saw her wearing what appeared to be the same necklace. I’m sorry, but I think this is in poor taste. It’s almost like he’s branding these young ladies. I asked him about it, and he shrugged it off. It bothers me. Should I say something else to him about it, or maybe say something to my brother -- his father -- and try to get him to talk sense into his son? -- No Branding Here, Dallas

DEAR NO BRANDING HERE: You have no authority in this situation. Since you have already inquired and learned that your nephew likes the idea that his new girlfriend is wearing this name necklace, there’s likely not much more that you can say. You could give a “for the record” comment to your nephew that you are concerned that he is not being as respectful as you think is appropriate by doing this. But know that he may not listen.

Look around and you will see people who tattoo their boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s names on their bodies. Many do this even before thinking about marriage.

You can speak to your brother. Tell him what your concerns are, and ask him how he feels about his son’s behavior, particularly around this name necklace. If your brother also is concerned about it, he may want to talk to his son a bit more. Ultimately, though, your nephew is becoming an adult and will have to make his own decisions.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My brother has been out of work for about six months now. He never had a great job, but he was always employed up until recently, when his company went out of business and everybody got laid off. Instead of looking for work, he seems to be moping around feeling sorry for himself. He lives with my parents, so he doesn’t have to worry about a roof over his head, and I think that is contributing to the problem. He doesn’t seem to have a sense of urgency about his situation.

I’m worried that my brother will stay in this situation too long and find it impossible to get a new job. How can I help him to wake up and be more proactive? -- Turning the Corner, Philadelphia

DEAR TURNING THE CORNER: It is easy to sink into a depression when you are out of work. That may be what has happened to your brother. Talk to him. Tell him that you are concerned about him and that you want to support him as he gets back on his feet. Talk to him about what type of work he wants to do. Look up job opportunities online in categories where he has either experience or skill. Suggest that he go to the local chamber of commerce to inquire about jobs. Urge him on. Your insistence may be annoying, but it may also help to get him focused again.

(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 Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently got married. My husband and I did not live together before marriage, so we are learning each other’s idiosyncrasies now. One thing that is a problem is that I am a night owl, and he is a morning person. We hardly ever get in bed at the same time. I feel like one of us is constantly disturbing the other’s sleep. I don’t know a solution, though, because we have such different sleep patterns. What do you recommend? -- Nighty Night, Denver

DEAR NIGHTY NIGHT: Getting enough sleep is essential for your long-term health and happiness. Without proper rest, you can become irritable, which will trigger other challenges in your marriage. What can you do? First, you can try little things, like putting a dim night light by your side of the bed so that you can slip into bed without turning on the lights whenever you are ready to go to sleep. Do not turn on any electronics, and try to settle quietly as you go to sleep. Make sure you have opaque curtains in your room so that in the morning the room stays dark when your husband gets up. He will need to be quiet when he gets up so as not to disturb you.

Another idea that some couples follow is to have separate rooms. Yes, that may sound crazy for newlyweds, but if you really do sleep differently, you may want to sleep in different rooms and come together at mutually agreed-upon times. You have to work out what works for you.

DEAR HARRIETTE: Every year on my birthday and every holiday, I get a call or email from a friend of mine. This year -- crickets. I’m worried about him. He is an older guy who recently retired, and he is single. He has always been a loner, so I don’t know whom to contact to check on him. I pray nothing has happened to him, but if I do hear from him again, I need him to give me a couple of emergency contact numbers. We have to look out for each other, right? -- Looking Out, Rochester, New York

DEAR LOOKING OUT: Let’s hope your friend is fine and just got distracted. Yes, it is a smart idea to ask him to share a few of his close friends’ contact information for emergency purposes. Promise not to bug any of his friends, but point out that you were honestly worried about him since he broke his pattern.

Be prepared not to get the desired result, though. A confirmed older bachelor is not someone who is accustomed to being traced, so to speak. He may balk at your idea. If he refuses, you will have to accept that you cannot help him to stay safe.

(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 Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have always wanted to write a book. When I tell people my personal story, they tell me I should. I don’t know if I’m the most unique person in the world, but I did come from difficult beginnings, and I have made a successful life. I tell good stories, too. The thing is that I speak well, but I have never been a writer. How can I expect to write and publish a book if that’s not my thing? -- Wannabe Author, Dallas

DEAR WANNABE AUTHOR: There are several options for you to consider to get your book written. Start off by talking into a recording device. Some will record your words and transcribe them into written words. In other words, you can dictate your book and then see what you come up with. You may be surprised to learn that your verbal stories can be edited into a cohesive, interesting book.

I recommend that you take a writing class as well. The type of book you want to write will guide your steps. If you want to write a memoir, that should be an easy class to find. Typically, you will work in a small group with other storytellers who are figuring out how to get their book on paper. You will have a professional leading the class who will give you constructive criticism, and the group members critique each other as well.

This is a good start. When it comes to publishing your book, you have several options. You can go the self-publishing route. Many people like using Amazon CreateSpace, which is affordable and easy to use. What’s tricky is that you have to do all of the promotion yourself in order to get your book published.

Alternatively, you can work to find a literary agent who will shop your book to a publisher -- if the agent thinks it will sell. This can be profitable, but it is also challenging. Do research so that you can make the best decision for you.

DEAR HARRIETTE: All indications suggest that I am about to lose my job. My boss has stopped giving me assignments, and he constantly picks at everything I do. The other people on my job are busy while I am not. I did not get a good review last month. It is bad. I don’t think I have time to turn things around. I have started putting out resumes, but I am not feeling very confident right now. My parents said I can live at home until I sort out my work situation. Do you think I should quit before getting fired and try to find something somewhere else? -- On the Brink, Denver

DEAR ON THE BRINK: Your situation sounds dire. If you have already unsuccessfully attempted to adjust your performance based on the feedback your boss has given you and you believe the time is imminent for you to be fired, resigning could be a smart strategy. While it can be easier to find a job when you have a job, it is tough to not be able to get a good recommendation from a company because you were fired. Submit a resignation letter thanking your company for the experience you had there. Be upbeat and kind so that you can get a positive response in the future. Work hard to find a better fit.

(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 Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)