DEAR HARRIETTE: My boyfriend has a serious problem. He is a sneaker collector, and it is driving me crazy because he has sneakers all over the apartment. Currently, he has over 600 pairs of sneakers in the house, and I am having a hard time walking around. I wanted to make breakfast in the morning, but I was not able to because there are sneakers in the kitchen. I do not know what to do; his collection is out of control. Can you offer some advice on how I can I manage my boyfriend's collection without losing my temper? -- Too Many Sneakers, Brooklyn, New York
DEAR TOO MANY SNEAKERS: Your boyfriend is a sneaker hoarder! Call him on his addiction and tell him it is time for him to get a storage unit to house his sneakers or sell some of them off to make room in your home. Likely, he will balk at the idea. Show him that the route to the kitchen, and even the use of the kitchen, is compromised by his sneakers. Go around your home and point out what else is dysfunctional because of his kicks. Enlist the help of friends or family if he refuses to see reality.
(Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)