DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a friend who was going to get married this spring. Now she has pushed it out for at least a year. It is a destination wedding. I already told her that I can’t go, but I didn’t tell her why. I can’t afford it, plus I don’t even have a passport, believe it or not. I am embarrassed that I’m so ill-prepared to be there for my friend, but now, on top of everything else, I’m nervous about traveling in the aftermath of coronavirus. Do you think I’m being too paranoid? We don’t know when the wedding will be, but probably next year. -- Attending a Wedding
DEAR ATTENDING A WEDDING: Take a deep breath and relax. You do not have to make a decision right now. But it is good for you to examine your fears and apprehensions around traveling. When we get to the point that it feels safe to venture out again, it could be wonderful for you to support your friend by attending her destination wedding. It is very easy to apply for a passport. You can get one as an American citizen even if you never take a trip overseas. In terms of budgeting, save money as you can for a travel fund. It can be little bits at a time. You may be surprised at how much you can stash away if you set your mind to it.
(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.)