DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve been dreaming of traveling solo for a while now, but every time I bring it up, friends and family warn me that it’s too dangerous. They tell me that I should wait until I have a travel companion or join a group trip. While I understand their concerns, I don’t want fear to hold me back from experiencing the world on my own terms.

I do worry that traveling alone might feel isolating. As exciting as it sounds to have the freedom to explore at my own pace, I’m nervous that I might get lonely without someone to share the experience with. I don’t want to spend the whole trip feeling like something is missing or wishing I had someone there with me. I’ve read about people who say solo travel is life-changing and builds confidence, but I wonder if it’s right for me.

How can I make sure I stay safe while also getting the most out of the experience? Should I push past my doubts and go for it, or is it better to wait until I find a travel companion? -- On the Road

DEAR ON THE ROAD: Do not let other people’s fears prevent you from pursuing your dreams. Many people have the fortitude to venture out on their own and do so safely and successfully. For some people, traveling in groups and having to mesh schedules and interests can be painful and seem like a burden. It all depends on your personality. Do not let your loved ones convince you to do what they would find most comfortable.

If you decide to travel alone, take the necessary precautions. Make sure someone has your full itinerary, including contact information for the various places where you will be staying, flight info, etc., as you have it. Do your research to learn about points of interest, areas that are considered dangerous and why, dress codes, costs and customs. One great resource is travel.state.gov -- click Travel Advisories in the banner at the top. Be cautious, even as you can be adventurous.

Be wary of stereotypes, too. For example, I was cautioned about visiting and living in Harlem years ago. I was told it was unsafe. Not only did I visit -- at first in daytime out of caution -- but I ended up moving there. It was and is just as safe as any other neighborhood in the Big Apple.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I think you flubbed the last part of your answer to “Bad Choice,” the writer who dated a man at work who then made inappropriate overtures after she dumped him. After she meets with this guy (personally, I think she should skip this part), she should send him an email so that there's a record stating that she is following up on their conversation. She should reiterate that what he is doing is inappropriate, and she is requesting that it stop. She should also let him know that although she would like to maintain the cordial relationship they had prior to the failed dating attempt, if he continues to send inappropriate content, she will escalate with the human resources department. You missed the fact that once she asks him to stop, if he doesn't, it puts the company at risk of a sexual harassment case. Please consider revising your answer, as simply ignoring unwanted advances was not correct for any person -- male or female -- to do. -- Amendment

DEAR AMENDMENT: Strong and fair points. Thank you for sharing your insights.

(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: A couple of months ago, I got back into the dating scene after focusing on myself for a while. I met a handsome guy who goes to church, has a good job and is ambitious and sweet. Dating him has been great, and it’s exactly the sort of romance I prefer. I decided to open up to my friends about this new person, and I learned that a girlfriend of mine dated him a year or two ago. She says it was very casual, which is a relief. Now, though, the thought of physical intimacy is looming in my mind. Should I leave this guy alone? -- Lover and Friend

DEAR LOVER AND FRIEND: Did your friend express any reservations about you dating this man? As big as the world seems, we are often reminded how small it turns out to be in terms of our points of connection. If you had said your friend had been serious with this man and was uncomfortable about you dating him, that could be grounds for reservation on your part, but casual dating a year or more ago does not necessarily send up a red flag.

Ask your friend if there’s anything you should know about your guy that sounds an alarm. Find out what she liked about him -- and also why they stopped going out -- but do not belabor the point.

Focus on your own relationship with this man. You gave a list of things that you like about him. Go back to that list and see if they remain true. Take your time getting close to him. If you expect that he will meet your friends, you should also tell him who they are and that when you were talking about dating him, one remarked that she had dated him, too. Observe his reaction to that news. Again, don’t make a big deal out of it. As far as intimacy goes, when it feels right, you can take that next step. Don’t worry about it until then.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'd like to chime in with some advice to your reader who gets nervous at job interviews. When I started out in the working world, I would get so nervous in interviews that I would shake and my voice would quiver. A couple of things helped me tremendously.

First, after each interview, I wrote down the questions I was asked and prepared answers for those questions before the next interview. The same questions are often asked in multiple interviews.

Then, I worked on getting excited about my answers. An interviewer once told me my answers were good, but I didn't have any "pizazz," so I worked on showing pizazz -- and I got offers from each of the rest of that round of interviews.

One other thing: At the end of each interview, I would ask each interviewer how I did and got many candid answers that helped me prepare for future interviews. -- Interview Veteran

DEAR INTERVIEW VETERAN: Brilliant strategy on your part. Your proactivity and willingness to learn at each step paid off. Thank you for sharing.

(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’ve been seeing this guy for a few months now, and while I like him, I’m unsure about taking the next step. Recently, he brought up the idea of making our relationship official, but I have some reservations. One of the biggest issues is that he’s always gone. He travels frequently for work or other commitments, and I feel like I hardly get to spend quality time with him. Whenever we do see each other, things are great, but then he’s off again, and I’m left wondering if I’m really a priority in his life.

For Valentine’s Day a few weeks ago, I was hoping we’d have a special moment together; instead, he was out of town again. The thing that bothered me was that he didn’t try to celebrate earlier or do anything to make up for it. It’s making me question whether this relationship is worth pursuing. Am I being unreasonable for feeling this way? Should I talk to him about my concerns, or is this a sign that we’re just not compatible? -- Is He the One?

DEAR IS HE THE ONE?: Don’t hang your hat on his reaction to Valentine’s Day, even though it has become a bellwether for love. Instead, look at the big picture and at what you want in a relationship. It sounds like you want more interaction and more connectedness than this man has offered you -- at least until now. If you like him enough to see if there is a future for you two, talk to him. Let him know what you are looking for, and ask if he can foresee a time when he is not as absent -- whether that means by proximity or connection via technology. I say that because some people are busy and still make time for each other using smartphones or other tech. If he says he wants to make it work, go for it -- with your eyes wide open.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My guy and I broke up a few months ago, but I can’t seem to let him go. I notice when he likes my social media posts, and it makes my heart flutter for real. I miss him, and I am sad that we aren’t together. Each time I’ve tried to get back together with him, he won’t try hard enough and it fizzles out. How do I stay away from him when I have a physical reaction that draws me to him? -- Magnetized

DEAR MAGNETIZED: Ask yourself if you deserve being in a state of longing without fulfillment. The answer will be no. Next, ask yourself what you do deserve. What kind of relationship do you want and need to be happy? What qualities are you looking for in a partner? Focus on finding someone who meets those standards. Stop looking for your ex’s engagement. Start thinking about yourself. When your body starts tingling, do not allow yourself to indulge in those feelings. Immediately go to the list of qualities you want in a partner. Envision that person, not the guy who doesn’t deserve you.

(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.)