DEAR HARRIETTE: I got kicked out of my house. My parents and I got into an argument, and they said I can’t stay there anymore. I’m 23 years old and trying to get my life together, but it’s taking time. I’ve been staying with my friend and his family for a couple of weeks. I am working, but not enough to get my own place. I don’t want to take advantage of their hospitality, but I’m not stable enough to go anywhere else. How do I show them how thankful I am? -- Struggling to Make It, Bronx, New York
DEAR STRUGGLING TO MAKE IT: Thank goodness you were rescued by your friend and his family. What you can do is be a great houseguest. That means volunteer to have chores that you are responsible for each week. Perhaps there are daily duties you can accept as well. Keep your area tidy, and be mindful of common areas. Give your host family space, meaning when everyone is at home, make sure you make yourself scarce at least part of the time. They should feel like they can be free to engage each other without you for at least part of each day. This doesn’t mean you should hide out. Instead, choose to spend some time in your room or in a part of the home where you can have some privacy as you give them space to live their lives as usual.
Meanwhile, save your money. Tell the family your strategy and timeline for moving on. Keep them apprised of your progress.
(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.)