DEAR HARRIETTE: I am noticing a new behavior in my tween daughter that is driving me nuts. Pretty much anything I say to her she rejects as if I don't know what I am talking about. We are constantly b... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: We drive a lot at the end of the year going to visit family in three states. There are five us -- two adults and three kids. We have fun usually, but one of the things that always caus... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: I was invited to a formal event, and I am not sure of what to wear. I went to a formal affair last year, and I went out and bought a long gown because I thought that was the implied dr... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: My family had a horrible scare recently. My husband was in a car accident and got seriously hurt. We have been married for 10 years and have two young children. Because we are both you... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: The creepiest thing just happened to me. I received a friend request on Facebook, and I accepted because the person is friends with someone I know and respect. Almost immediately, the ... more
DEAR READERS: Merry Christmas! Children young and old await this special day for months on end. The promise of treats from loved ones, delicious food and good company warms our hearts. For those who a... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: I didn't get everyone in my church group a present for Christmas. I simply couldn't afford it, nor do I really think I need to give a group of adults more stuff. I decided to write car... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: I was invited to go to lunch with a business associate. When I arrived at the restaurant and walked through the door, all I could smell was juice being made in a juicer, and I realized... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: My 11-year-old is still a firm Santa lover and believer. Her friends at school, however, deride her for her beliefs. What's interesting is that she doesn't seem to care much what they ... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a friend who is in the middle of an ugly divorce. She has been telling me the details, and it just sounds horrible. I try to be a good listener, which is hard because the storie... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a 12-year-old African-American son who has what looks like an arsenal of toy guns. From Nerf guns to BB guns to videogames featuring weapons, he and his friends are always playi... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have received some disturbing emails from a close friend of mine. He sounds depressed, and I am really worried about him. I've told him that I'm here for him if he needs me, and I've... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: A group of friends has invited me to hang out with them on New Year's Eve. They plan to go to Times Square and hang out while the ball drops. I like them, but I hate that idea. I used ... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: My company is going to have its annual Secret Santa gift exchange party in a few days, and I drew the name of a co-worker I really do not know. The rule for our Secret Santa is that we... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: My son has always been practical when it comes to asking for things for Christmas. He has never asked for extravagant gifts, and my husband and I do our best to get whatever he request... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: I was invited to go to a holiday dance with a guy I really like from my college. I want to go, but I feel like an idiot because I never learned how to dance. My parents were very stric... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: I was just invited to a spectacular weeklong celebration with an associate. Apparently, he organizes an annual trip that he invites a range of people to attend. I have seen pictures on... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: My son has been hiding his homework assignments from my wife and me for several weeks now, something we learned from his teacher, who called me the other day to ask what was going on. ... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: I am dealing with jealousy issues at work that I do not know how to handle. My time is split between commuting to the office and working from home. My colleagues have complained that I... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: I went to dinner at a new restaurant in my neighborhood. An old friend is the owner, and I wanted to support his business endeavor. The service was lacking, and the food was all right,... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband and I have not been getting along for quite some time. We argue a lot and rarely speak in friendly terms to each other. We were just with family for Thanksgiving, and while ... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: I received an offer online to buy a luxury item at a discount for the holidays. I was so excited because it meant that I could purchase it for my daughter, who has wanted the item for ... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: I was invited to spend Christmas at a friend's family home since I am away at college and she lives in town. I cannot afford to go home, so it was really nice of her family to invite m... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have to turn in an application for my child's school, and the document is supposed to be signed by both parents. My wife will be out of the country on business for another month. If ... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: I worked on a project that required my lawyer's services. The payoff was supposed to be significant, but in the end, I'm the one who spent money while the whole deal went south. I am b... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: My office is going through a serious downsizing right now. We normally have a big holiday party, and I am sure that will not happen this year. I was thinking it would be nice to put to... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: At church last Sunday, I was handed an envelope from one of the church elders. When I got home, I saw that there was a check enclosed and a note saying that if I needed anything, I sho... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: As the holidays approach, I find myself feeling more and more stressed out because I am thinking I would like to be alone this holiday season. My anxiety comes from the endless questio... more
DEAR HARRIETTE: My boyfriend usually seems to be a guy's guy. He is into sports and cars and stuff. He is also attentive to me, which I love. We go out to dinner a lot and have fun dates. But I recent... more
DEAR READERS: Happy Thanksgiving! This is one of the happiest times of year for me -- and also one of the busiest. Like so many other people, my family is on the move at Thanksgiving time. We travel t... more