ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm feeling so lost and alone. My dog Georgie and I are inseparable, having grown up side by side and having created so many cherished memories together. Lately, he's been really sick, and the vet mentioned that it might be kinder to let him go peacefully to end his suffering. I just can't bring myself to make that heartbreaking ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I feel stuck, and I am not sure what to do. I have worked on and off for a few years now after having had a good job for decades. After my work situation changed, I stopped doing everything, including my taxes. I know today is Tax Day, but I have done absolutely nothing to file. It's almost like I took myself off the grid, but I'...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I need some advice regarding a recent incident that occurred during a play date at the park with a close mom friend of mine. Three days ago, our 5-year-old children were playing together when, unfortunately, my friend's child hit mine, leaving a noticeable red mark on my child's face. He cried for 10 minutes straight, and my ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm a mother to 12-year-old twin daughters. While they share the same birthday and many similarities, their personalities couldn't be more different. One of my daughters seems to be a mirror image of myself when I was her age. We share the same interests, hobbies and even mannerisms; as a result, we have a strong and natural ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm seeking guidance on how to handle a challenging situation with a close friend. Lately, I've noticed that my friend has become consistently negative and draining to be around. It feels like every conversation turns into a litany of complaints or pessimistic outlooks on life. I understand that right now the world is unforgiving...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have deep feelings for my partner of five years, but since I gained more financial stability, I've noticed a shift in his behavior. He seems to have become complacent, no longer making efforts to contribute financially or surprise me as he did in the past. I find myself shouldering the responsibility for our bills and taking ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have regarded an individual as a close friend since our elementary school days. However, it has come to my attention that her negative demeanor has led to others disliking her. Despite my unwavering defense of her in the past, I now find myself pondering the appropriateness of maintaining this friendship. After all these years,...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: As a recent graduate student, the prospect of applying for jobs fills me with a great deal of anxiety, especially because of my struggles with stage fright and a tendency to stutter when faced with questions. These challenges have left me feeling uncertain about how to navigate the job application process effectively and improve ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I find myself in a difficult situation regarding my career decisions. Currently, I am employed in a job that is incredibly stressful, but it pays well. However, I have been contemplating a change to a different business or career path that may not offer the same level of financial compensation, because I just don't know how long ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: As my graduation approaches, my mother has set her expectations for me to pursue a business course followed by a career in law. However, my true passion lies in filmmaking, a dream I have harbored for years. Despite excelling academically and being at the top of my class, I have always followed my mother's guidance. After ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm feeling torn and guilty about something that happened recently. My grandma turned 80, and while I knew it was a significant milestone, I didn't call her to wish her a happy birthday. The truth is, my grandma and I aren't particularly close, and to complicate matters, she struggles with mental health issues that make it ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been infatuated with someone for far too long -- years, actually. Recently, though, I have come to see this man for who he is: an opportunist, a user, someone who thinks mostly about himself. This hurts to realize, but it also helps me create some distance. I heard from him recently, and I wasn't as responsive as usual. He...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've always had a clear picture in my mind of what I want in a partner and for my future. A recent conversation with a friend has left me questioning whether my standards are perhaps too high, especially considering my age.

First, I've always imagined my engagement ring as a symbol of not just love, but also of financial ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: As a first-year college student experiencing communal living for the first time, I am grappling with the challenges of sharing a room. I am increasingly frustrated with my roommate; after I granted her access to my belongings once, she consistently uses them. The same goes for my food and groceries, leaving me feeling taken ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently discovered that my 20-year-old sister is adopted, and it has left me feeling shocked, confused and betrayed. I'm 25, and my parents never disclosed this information to me nor my sister. We lived our whole lives until now believing we were blood sisters. Our relationship hasn't changed since the news came out, but it is...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: One of my closest friends recently tore me apart, citing the stark differences in our lifestyles and how we were raised. I come from an individualistic family where putting personal needs first is the norm, while she comes from a collectivist family where the emphasis is on the needs of the group. This contrast has created a ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: Recently, I went to a high-end store wearing a simple dress, and I noticed that the sales lady did not seem eager to assist me. Despite politely requesting help, I was largely ignored while other customers who were dressed in more extravagant clothing were approached immediately. This experience made me feel like I was being ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been dating my boyfriend for eight months, and I think he might be the one I want to marry. I am 32 years old, and it feels well past due. My family, however, doesn't approve of him at all. They believe he is unsuitable for me and have expressed their concerns about our relationship. He is unemployed currently, and I pay our...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: There is a concerning situation involving a boy I know who is intelligent but not considered cool by his peers -- he' a nerd. The girl he likes has been using him for her personal gain, manipulating him into doing her assignments and projects. Despite my attempts to warn him about her intentions, he does not seem to heed my ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a 29-year-old woman from Phoenix. My boyfriend and I have been in a relationship for five years. I thought that he was "the one" for a long time -- until this year when he fell terminally ill. I've had to watch him slowly fade away for three months now, and the doctors say he will continue to do so until the end of the year....Read more