DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a recent college graduate who has a lot on her plate. I feel completely flummoxed, and I am just trying to get stability. I constantly worry about my rent, job, savings, bills and health. This leaves me no time for my friends. I love my support group, but I have had a very rough year. My friends think I hate them because I haven't spent any time with them. I feel horrible, but I need to focus on myself so I don't sink.
I hate how I've neglected my friends, but I just don't have time (or money) to dedicate to going to bars and nightclubs with them. I've been getting fewer and fewer messages from my friends because I've disappeared to work on myself. How can I communicate that I'll be back soon? It may already be too late. Everyone seems to have figured out life and moved on without me. -- Stuck in the Dust, Denver
DEAR STUCK IN THE DUST: While you feel like all of your friends have figured out their lives, chances are, this isn't true. What is true is that you have not been connecting with them. If there is one particular friend who you feel might be sensitive to your situation, reach out to get together. Now may not be the time for a group activity, but a one-on-one may work well. Slowly rekindle a friend bond as you build your life. Remember that it takes a while for all of the pieces to fall into place. Work hard and have faith.