ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: My 23-year-old brother has asked me for a substantial loan to start a new business. While I want to help, I'm feeling uneasy about lending such a large sum. At 47, I'm more cautious about my financial decisions, and this request feels quite big. I've seen how starting a new venture can be unpredictable, and I'm worried that a ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've recently transitioned to working from home full-time, and I'm finding it challenging to separate my work life from my personal life. While my home office setup is functional, it has made it harder for to me switch off from work mode at the end of the day. I find myself checking emails or thinking about tasks long after my ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm trying to start a daily journaling habit for personal growth, but I'm struggling to find the time and stay consistent. I really want to make journaling a regular part of my life, but it's been challenging to fit it into my daily routine. I end up too busy or too tired by the end of the day to write, and as a result, I haven't...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm dealing with a health issue that requires significant dietary changes, and I'm struggling to make it work with my family's eating habits. I've had to cut out gluten and dairy, but my family continues to enjoy dishes that include these ingredients. They often have pasta night with creamy sauces, which has been really tough for...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been feeling concerned about my teenage daughter lately. She's started spending time with a new group of friends who are really into extreme sports like skateboarding and parkour. This is a big shift from the activities we've always encouraged, such as volunteering and participating in community events. Last night she ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter recently got a new job, and I'm just thrilled she has found a job out of college as the economy is very tough currently. However, the pay at this job is low, and despite my encouragement, she refuses to consider other opportunities that might offer a better salary. I'm proud of her for being so determined and sticking...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm a 28-year-old woman, and up until this year, I've never had any serious issues with my skin. However, seemingly out of nowhere, I developed cystic acne this year. I've become self-conscious, to the point where I sometimes dread going out in public or even seeing friends and family. What's made this even harder to cope with is...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My sisters and I are trying to figure out the best way to move forward with our dad's care. Up until recently, he was living independently and doing quite well on his own. He's always been a strong and self-sufficient person, so we never really worried too much about him being alone. However, everything changed when he had a ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: There is an ongoing issue in my relationship that involves a recurring conflict over holiday traditions. My boyfriend is passionate about us celebrating every holiday with his extended family, which often means missing out on traditions that are important to me. For instance, last Christmas, while he was busy with his family's ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been invited to a high-profile event by an old friend I haven't seen in years. It's a fantastic opportunity, but there's a bit of a catch: The event is in a city I'm uncomfortable traveling to alone due to safety concerns. I'm in my early 40s now and find that I'm more cautious about such things than I used to be.

While I'm...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently received an incredible job offer from one of the top companies to work for in the United States. This opportunity is a huge milestone in my career; it's something I've worked really hard for over the years. I was thrilled when I got the news and couldn't wait to share it with the people closest to me. However, when I ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm feeling frustrated with my brother's girlfriend, and I could use your perspective. "Sally" often stays over at our house, especially on days when she doesn't have classes, as she's about to graduate college. Meanwhile, my brother "Bill" is already working, and he covers all of the household expenses since our parents are ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My sister's fiance recently broke off their engagement, and she is absolutely devastated. They had been together for five years, and their relationship seemed solid. They had been planning their wedding for the past year, with invitations sent out, deposits paid and countless hours spent preparing for what was supposed to be one ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a 21-year-old woman, and I am feeling increasingly stressed and overwhelmed about my parents' low savings. Over the past few years, my mom and dad have been making it known to me and my siblings that they have very little savings and are unsure if they will ever be able to retire. This revelation has created a significant ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: Am I unreasonable for expecting my daughter to take her dog with her after she graduates from college? When my daughter was in fifth grade, she really wanted a dog. I wasn't particularly keen on the idea, but she was persistent. She promised to take care of him, and I gave in. We got a Pomeranian, and he's been with us ever since...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm really stuck right now and could use some advice. I'm 29, and I work as a babysitter for a family that pays really well, which is crucial for my daughter's therapy bills. The problem is that the parents have been treating me poorly -- lots of verbal abuse and unreasonable demands. I'm concerned about my safety if their ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been dating my partner, "Harper," for over a year, and we have a strong and supportive relationship. On her birthday, Harper expressed her desire to take a yearlong sabbatical to travel and pursue personal interests, which has been a long-held dream of hers. While I fully support Harper's decision, I'm concerned about how ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My ex-boyfriend is graduating, and I wonder if I should go to the ceremony to congratulate him. "Rem" and I were in a relationship from high school until the end of freshman year in college. We made a pact to attend each other's college graduations wearing our favorite color, blue, with me in a dress and him in a tie.

Rem and I ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a 30-year-old woman, and my mom recently passed away. Everywhere I look, I am reminded of her, and I don't know how I am going to get through the holiday season without her. My mom brought so much joy to Thanksgiving and Christmas, and she was the heart of our family's celebrations. The thought of facing these holidays ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a friend, "Cindy," who frequently brings her pet to every social gathering we have, whether it's a dinner party, a movie night or a casual get-together. While I understand that her pet is important to her, the constant presence of the animal is starting to make some of our gatherings uncomfortable for the rest of us, ...Read more