DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently matched with someone on a dating app, and after chatting for a bit, we realized we work at the same company. It’s a huge organization, so we had never crossed paths before -- until, of course, we suddenly started running into each other in the office after matching. We never acknowledged it directly, and since then, things have felt a little awkward. It’s not like anything inappropriate happened between us. We just exchanged a few friendly messages before things fizzled out, but now every hallway run-in feels tense. I can’t tell if he’s pretending it never happened or if he’s just as unsure as I am about how to act.

Part of me wants to laugh it off and break the ice, but another part worries that it might make things even weirder. I’ve caught myself overthinking what to say when I see him and wondering if other co-workers have picked up on the tension. It’s gotten to the point where I sometimes take a different route to avoid the awkwardness altogether. Should I bring it up to clear the air or just keep acting like nothing happened and hope the awkwardness fades on its own? -- Unmatched

DEAR UNMATCHED: Be the adult in the room. Next time you see this man, walk up to him and discreetly address the obvious. You can start with humor. Yes, it is uncanny that the two of you would meet online and end up working in the same place, but it doesn’t need to be awkward. You didn’t end up hooking up. It was innocent enough, and now it’s over. Agree to stop dodging each other in the building, be cordial and move on.

DEAR HARRIETTE: This year has been stressful for me. I lost my job and have used most of my savings just to survive. I haven’t talked about my situation much at all. It’s frustrating enough to live it without the embarrassment of admitting that, at 40 years old, my great career ended because of no fault of my own. I suddenly became seen as a DEI hire even though my job had nothing to do with diversity. I feel deflated and scared. I’ve been looking for work but can’t find anything, and I’m worried about what to do next. -- Lost

DEAR LOST: Sadly, there are hundreds of thousands of well-credentialed, hardworking people like you in this country who are recently out of work with seemingly nowhere to turn. Now is the time to talk to your friends and reach out to organizations that may be able to help you.

With friends, band together and help each other -- first by revealing your situation and then asking for help. Some people have formed meal collectives where they cook together and share the expenses of food. Others help with babysitting. Still others have provided shelter for newly unhoused former professionals.

On a different level, reach out to human rights organizations for help. The ACLU, for example, is looking to support people who feel they were wrongly dismissed. Drop the shame and speak up for yourself. Telling your story may be the way to save yourself and others like 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.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently noticed that my partner still follows his ex on social media, and not only that, but he still likes most of her posts. They’ve been broken up for two years, and from what I know, she was the one who ended things. It’s not like he’s leaving flirty comments or anything inappropriate, but I can’t help but feel uneasy every time I see his name under her photos.

Part of me feels silly for even caring -- after all, everyone stays connected online these days -- but another part of me wonders why he’s still keeping up with her so closely. I haven’t said anything yet because I don’t want to come off as jealous or controlling, especially since everything else in our relationship feels solid, but it’s definitely bothering me more than I’d like to admit. I can’t tell if I’m overreacting or ignoring a red flag. I keep telling myself it’s “just social media,” but I also know how small habits can sometimes reveal bigger feelings. It’s starting to make me question whether he’s truly over that relationship or just hasn’t fully let go. Should I bring this up and risk sounding insecure, or just let it go and try to move on from it quietly? -- Tethered to Ex

DEAR TETHERED TO EX: How do you know this? Do you follow his ex on social? If you are aware of this because you have been snooping, trust that he will react to that energy. The larger question is: What is worrying you? If you sincerely wonder if he is over his ex, ask him. When he asks why, tell him you have seen how attentive he is to her social media. Be prepared for a bit of alarm from him as to your motives, but push for honest dialogue about their status.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve been complaining about my husband incessantly, and for good reason. There is a long list of ways that he has messed up our life, but I’m starting to notice that I have my own stuff that needs to be addressed. He is not the only bad guy, in a way. How can I face up to my issues without creating vulnerability for me when I’m talking to him? Honestly, I don’t know if we can make it, and I don’t want to give him ammunition to make life more difficult for me if we do break up. -- On the Precipice

DEAR ON THE PRECIPICE: If you feel you are headed to divorce, talk to him about that directly. Put your cards on the table and begin to discuss a way to end your marriage and move on.

If you think there’s a chance you might stay together, tell him about your realization of your own shortcomings. Chances are, he is aware of them even if you two have never discussed them. By being forthcoming about what you now see you need to work on, you may be creating space for the two of you to work together on your marriage instead of pointing fingers.

Vulnerability is an essential part of growth. Being fully honest about yourself and each other may be the medicine you both need to address your issues and work toward finding a way forward. You married this man. Is your relationship worth making every effort to fight for your bond before you give up?

(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 moved into a new apartment building recently, and while I love the location and my unit, I’ve been having a tricky time with one of my neighbors. They frequently leave passive-aggressive notes about noise, even when I’m careful to keep my music low and avoid loud activities. Sometimes the notes feel exaggerated or unfair, and it’s starting to make me anxious every time I move around my apartment. I don’t want to start a confrontation or create hostility, but I also don’t want to constantly tiptoe around my own home or feel guilty for simply living my life. I’ve considered introducing myself in person to smooth things over, but I’m nervous that could backfire and make the tension worse. I also worry that the building management won’t take my side if it escalates, and I don’t want this situation to affect my enjoyment of my new home. I just want to find a way to coexist peacefully without feeling like I’m walking on eggshells every day. How can I handle this situation in a calm, respectful way that sets boundaries, preserves my peace and prevents further passive-aggressive behavior? -- No More Notes

DEAR NO MORE NOTES: If you know where the notes are coming from, consider leaving a note for that person saying you are making an effort to be mindful of your environment, and you would appreciate it if they would stop with the notes.

If you don’t know who it is, leave a note on your door for them stating the same and suggesting that you hope you two can live harmoniously as you love your new home.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I booked a vacation with a group of close friends months ago, and I’ve been looking forward to it. However, recently I’ve developed a fear of flying, and the thought of getting on the plane is making me anxious. I’m worried that my anxiety could ruin the trip for me, and I feel torn because I don’t want to cancel and disappoint my friends or miss out on what should be a fun experience. I’ve tried to prepare myself by reading articles about flying safety and even practicing relaxation techniques, but my fear keeps getting worse as the travel date approaches.

I feel guilty admitting this fear to my friends because I don’t want them to think I’m being dramatic or letting them down. At the same time, the idea of sitting on a plane fills me with dread, and I’m not sure how I can manage it without professional help. Should I try to push through my fear and go, risking panic or discomfort, or should I be honest with my friends and possibly back out, even though I know it may disappoint them? How can I handle this situation in a way that respects both my mental health and my friendships? -- Fear of Flying

DEAR FEAR OF FLYING: Do two things now: Tell your friends what’s going on with you. It would be far worse to get to the date and your plans backfire and they have to absorb the cost of your absence. Second, get a therapist to help you work through your fear. Try to figure out the source of your anxiety so that you can release it, even if it takes longer to resolve than your departure date.

(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.)