DEAR HARRIETTE: I can’t get over the feeling that I wasted my time and money in college. I graduated three years ago, and I haven’t worked in my field or gotten even remotely close to it. My family is urging me to go and get my master’s, but I don’t want to waste even more of my time in school. Do you think it would be worth it to get my master’s? -- Sick of School

DEAR SICK OF SCHOOL: Without knowing your field of interest, I do not know if a master’s degree would be necessary for you. I can say that there are plenty of professional fields that now require a master’s in order for a candidate to be taken seriously.

Research your field of interest to learn what the job requirements are. Sadly, countless recent college graduates cannot find jobs in their fields -- or at all -- because entry-level jobs are at a premium and the economy is currently fragile. I know of many young professionals who are working jobs that are unrelated to their studies or interests. I pray that this changes over time, but the reality is that our world has changed dramatically since the pandemic struck. Many people, both new graduates and seasoned professionals, are being challenged to reimagine their futures.

I recommend that you create a vision board. Envision your future and what you want to make of yourself. Then plot a course to get there. Education is one route, but you may also consider entrepreneurship, apprenticeship or shifting your field of interest.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My mom recently remarried. I’ve never really gotten along with her husband’s kids -- my new stepsiblings. We are all grown adults. I am 25, and most of my stepsiblings are in their 20s as well -- the oldest is 30. They are very close with my stepfather, which means they are around quite a bit. My mom's feelings get hurt when I don't want to come over and see her, but I have no desire to be around any of my stepsiblings. Should I be honest with my mother and tell her that the reason I don’t come around as much is because of her husband’s kids? I don’t want her to repeat that to her husband. -- Not My Siblings

DEAR NOT MY SIBLINGS: Out of love for your mother, you have to figure out a way to visit her more and come to a friendly place with your stepsiblings. You don’t have to be friends, but you should be cordial. You should not tell your mother about your feelings regarding her husband’s children. That will only create a rift that is out of anybody’s control.

Think about your mother. She has found happiness with this man. Be happy for her. Decide that you will visit her, even if it is briefly, with some frequency. Also, invite her to do things with you so that you have one-on-one time. Adopt the attitude that you can build a respectful rapport with these people, too. Look for ways to get along.

(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’m concerned about my dad’s eating habits. He is getting a bit older, and although he has no preexisting health conditions, he’s not in the best shape. He consumes way too much sugar and sodium, and he doesn’t get nearly enough exercise on a weekly basis. I’ve tried to help him, but he is stubborn and stuck in his ways. He feels that at his age, he is entitled to eat and live however he wants. I’m scared that if he doesn’t make a change, something bad is going to happen to him. How can I convince my dad to live a healthier lifestyle? -- Dad Needs Diet

DEAR DAD NEEDS DIET: Studies show that people who lead a sedentary lifestyle filled with sugar and sodium are setting themselves up for unhealthy bodies and disease. Sadly, one of the many negative side effects of COVID-19 on our communities is that many people have become more sedentary and not as mindful of what they consume. This is a recipe for disaster. Medical professionals point to lack of physical activity as having a direct effect on overall health and wellness. Being sedentary can lead to a host of diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even early death.

Talk to your dad. Tell him you want him to live and that you are worried that his current lifestyle is not pointing him in that direction. Get him reading material so he can see for himself. Here’s one helpful article: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322910#physical-dangers.

Invite him to go on walks, drink more water and change his diet. Keep encouraging him. Your positive attitude may inspire him to develop better habits.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My boyfriend and I were on a break during Valentine’s Day. We’ve been together for two years, but we were having a bit of a rough patch last month, so we decided to cool things down for a minute. We are back together now, and things are just fine. My problem is that I’m upset with him for not doing anything for me on Valentine’s Day. He knows that I love that holiday. I understand that we were technically on a break during that time, but I also know he had every intention of getting back together. He could have done something small for me just for the gesture. I’m resentful because I felt completely alone and unloved on that day. Am I being ridiculous, or am I right to feel this way? -- Valentine

DEAR VALENTINE: Stop fretting over the past, and focus on the present. What do you like about your relationship? Why did you choose to get back together after your break? Evaluate the serious issues that prompted you to take a break in the first place, and decide whether you have adequately addressed them.

While Valentine’s Day can be fun, it’s a manufactured holiday. Your life is something different. Figure out what you want and whether your boyfriend wants the same things. Then work on building your bond better.

(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: My ex-fiance and I have been broken up for four years now. We got engaged in our early 20s and never got married. Our relationship lasted three years. Over the past year, he and I started communicating again. The more we communicate, the more I find myself wondering if we made a mistake by calling off our engagement. Neither of us is in a serious relationship at the moment. I’m curious whether or not I should give this another go.

We didn’t break up because of abuse, infidelity or any serious reason; we broke up because we were young and disillusioned with how we thought a potential marriage should be. We have no kids. Am I being unrealistic for thinking we could give it another go? -- Second-Guessing

DEAR SECOND-GUESSING: Young love is often fleeting because of bad timing. When you have an opportunity to revisit an old relationship that was positive but became too close too soon, why not go for it?

Start with an honest conversation. You can say that since you two have been communicating again, you realize how much you appreciate him and your friendship. If you have missed him, tell him. Ask how he feels. No need to make this a confessional. Instead, just start talking openly about your feelings.

If you want to date him again, say so. Since the two of you are free and single and still care about each other, it could be lovely to explore this and see what unfolds.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m dating a man who has a 5-year-old son. He has his kid with him every other weekend. We’ve been dating for about eight months now, and he still won’t introduce me to his son. I’m trying to not read too much into it, but my feelings are hurt. I feel like if he can’t introduce me to his kid, he isn’t very invested in our relationship. I try not to nag him about it, but it’s getting harder and harder for me to act like it isn’t bothering me. He mentioned to me that his son’s mother specifically asked that he not bring women around his son, and he wants to avoid conflict. Is this a red flag? What should I do? -- Red Flag

DEAR RED FLAG: It is wise for single parents who are dating to protect their children from transient relationships. Yours seems more committed than that, though. But the reality is that it’s still a new relationship, and he has his kid’s mom to contend with.

What this means is that you two need to make some decisions. Start by asking yourself what you want in this relationship. If you feel that you have a future together, talk openly about that, and find out where he stands. If your relationship is serious, at nearly a year long, it makes sense that you would want to meet his son and be in his life in some way. That will likely require your boyfriend to explain to his child’s mother that you are important to him and a part of his life; therefore, her rules have to relax. It could take time for him to get this woman to accept the new normal, and you will need to be patient. Figuring out a relationship with her will be part of your reality if you two decide to stay together. So take it slow, and do not try to force him to choose between her and you. There’s no winning there. They have a child together.

(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.)