DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm currently living in a so-called “luxury” apartment that was built just last year, and I pay a significant amount of money in rent. Unfortunately, my room is absolutely freezing, and it’s making it nearly impossible to feel comfortable in my own home. I’ve already had maintenance come to seal the windows and walls, but that hasn’t solved the problem. I’ve had multiple meetings with management, hoping they would take responsibility and offer a solution, but they keep telling me there’s nothing they can do. I feel like I’m being taken advantage of because this apartment is advertised as a luxury property, yet the living conditions aren’t up to standard. I’ve tried using space heaters, but that’s just driving up my electricity bill and still doesn’t solve the issue. I don’t know what my rights are as a tenant in this situation or what steps I can take to escalate the issue further. Is there anything I can do to hold management accountable or advocate for myself in this situation? How can I ensure I’m not stuck paying so much for a home that doesn’t meet basic living standards? -- Too Cold

DEAR TOO COLD: It’s time to engage your local government. Call 311 to report the lack of heat. Provide all of the details that you can, including any promises management has made. Talk to other tenants to find out if you are the only one having this issue, or if others are also suffering. The more people you can get to complain, the better chance you have of getting results.

DEAR HARRIETTE: This letter is a reply to “Weed Invasion,” the woman who wrote in to say her husband smokes too much weed: It's not that weed isn't addictive; it's that it isn't medically addictive. The guy is probably depressed and using weed as a crutch, or he's a jerk who doesn't respect his partner. Some people use food as a crutch, which is similarly not addictive but can be the symptom of another issue. -- Issue Not Addiction

DEAR ISSUE NOT ADDICTION: Thank you for your response. Without question, the man who feels compelled to smoke weed from sunup to sundown is dealing with some kind of issue. Many would argue that this is not healthy behavior.

There are differing views in the medical community about whether marijuana is addictive. The American Addiction Centers, as well as any number of medical professionals, believe that marijuana can be addictive. The AAC says: “Marijuana (cannabis) can be problematic for some individuals who use it. Despite relatively widespread perceptions that would suggest otherwise, frequent marijuana use is associated with the development of physiological dependence, a distinct withdrawal syndrome and addiction. About 14.2 million people aged 12 or older struggled with marijuana addiction in 2020.”

That said, regardless of the label, excessive use of this drug or any other is not advisable. It can be extremely difficult to stop smoking if it is a habit that one has formed. If you are struggling, please get help. Many addiction programs can support you, including Marijuana Anonymous.

(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 feeling completely overwhelmed by my financial situation. With paying off student loans, covering my living expenses and trying to save for the future, I feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water. Rent alone takes up half of my paycheck, and despite budgeting carefully, I’m struggling to make any real progress. I don’t want to move in with my parents, because I value my independence and feel like it would be a step backward, but it’s starting to feel like my only option. I desperately want to build financial stability and work toward a more secure future, but I don’t even know where to start. On top of that, I often feel isolated since I can’t afford to spend money on social activities like my friends do. I worry that all of these sacrifices will lead to burnout, and I need help finding a balance between financial security and enjoying my life. What steps can I take to get back on track without sacrificing my independence or feeling completely defeated? -- Striving

DEAR STRIVING: It takes time to build financial security, especially if you do not have a high-paying job. You may want to consider getting a roommate to share the cost of your dwelling. Otherwise, you could move back home for a specific period of time, during which you focus on saving as much as possible toward your future goals. Since you seem to have developed discipline around your finances, if you can take a break from some bills for a period of time, you may be able to get a jump on your savings. You should try to work toward getting a promotion and raise. Finally, if you have the bandwidth, consider taking on a second job to help move yourself toward financial security.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve been working as an associate product manager for two years, and I’m ready to take the next step in my career by interviewing for a new position. However, I’m terrified because I’ve always considered myself a terrible interviewee: I struggle with answering questions on the spot, I feel like I come across as nervous and unprepared and I blank when it’s time to talk about my accomplishments. The idea of facing another round of interviews makes me so anxious that I’ve been putting off applying for jobs altogether. I know that preparation is key, but I’m unsure how to effectively practice and build confidence without getting overwhelmed. Should I focus on mock interviews, improving my storytelling skills or something else? How can I work on presenting myself confidently while staying authentic and not sounding rehearsed? I’m worried my nerves might hold me back from landing a role that could be a great opportunity for growth. -- Getting Ready

DEAR GETTING READY: You need to practice to become familiar with what you want to say in your interviews. Map out the basic answers to all of the questions you think they may ask. Write down your answers, and then repeat them as you look at yourself in the mirror. Practice speaking confidently. It will take time, but you can get comfortable if you put in enough hours. Do your best to memorize the main points so that even if you are nervous, you know the core information you want to share. Breathe! Engage your breath to help keep you calm and steady. Remind yourself that you are prepared, and you can do it!

(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 a roommate who is incredibly nosy, and it’s driving me crazy. He’s always asking questions that are way too personal, and it’s starting to make me uncomfortable in my own home. I try to be polite and friendly, but he doesn’t seem to pick up on the fact that some things are just none of his business. For example, the other day he noticed some medication that I had left on the counter and asked me what it was for. I was caught off guard because I didn’t think I should have to explain my private medical issues to anyone, let alone my roommate. I tried to dodge the question, but he kept pressing, and I eventually changed the subject just to get him to stop.

This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. He’s asked about my finances, my relationships and even my family, often in a way that feels more like prying than genuine curiosity. I’m all for having a friendly relationship with a roommate, but I feel like there should be boundaries, and he’s consistently crossing them. How do I set boundaries with someone like this without turning it into a bigger issue than it needs to be? -- Crossing the Line

DEAR CROSSING THE LINE: As soon as you can move out, do. You shouldn’t have to live with someone who does not respect your privacy. That said, you live with him now. Invest in a lockbox where you can put all of your important papers, medications and other personal items so that he cannot reach them under any circumstances. Put a lock on your bedroom door if you can.

Talk to him directly, and tell him you need to set clear house rules. These include everything from household chores to personal business. Let him know that your personal life is off limits. Ask him to stop the inquisition because you will no longer entertain the discussion. Then, simply don’t respond when he goes into unwelcome territory. If you don’t engage, he will stop talking to you ... eventually.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My wife and I are gearing up for retirement. We’re very excited. We came to the United States 45 years ago and have been working tirelessly ever since. Retirement will feel different for us. I’m excited, of course, but still a bit nervous. We don’t have any grandchildren yet, so we’ll have to fill our time with hobbies. Do you have any tips for our new chapter? -- Anticipating Retirement

DEAR ANTICIPATING RETIREMENT: Before you retire, make a plan. What do you enjoy doing, individually and as a couple? What have you dreamed of doing but had no time to explore? Put these things on a bucket list. Do you want to stay living where you are now? Many retirees downsize and move to more temperate climates. Think through your options based on your budget, and make this next chapter a time of exploration together. It can be a lot of fun if you set that intention.

(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.)