ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: I had three children in four and a half years, and I want to get my spark and confidence back. Throughout these back-to-back pregnancies, I gained about 30 pounds, and now I don't feel comfortable in my own body. I've tried to start working out, but I never stay consistent because I'm trying to manage a career while having so ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: One of my neighbors yelled at my 10-year-old for not being careful while crossing the street. My family's house is a few doors down from a turn where it can sometimes be difficult to make sure that it is clear to cross the street. Usually my daughter is very responsible, making sure to be extra careful when crossing the street to...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I want to pursue a bachelor's degree. I know what you're thinking: Go for it. The catch is, I've been down this road before -- a few times. The first few times I went to college were at my parents' behest. Based on how many times I changed my major and my lack of effort, I'd say I wasn't particularly ready at the time. Now that I...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My teenage daughter broke up with her first boyfriend, and she's having a tough time getting over him. It's been almost a year, and she still talks about him incessantly and says he was the love of her life. I have told her many times that she is 16 years old, and she has so much time to meet other people who will love her more. ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My 16-year-old daughter is determined to completely isolate herself. She says she doesn't want any friends, so she acts very mean and disinterested in other kids at school and extracurricular activities. At home, she likes to stay in her room and read so she can avoid spending time with the family. It makes me so sad, because I'm...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband and I fundamentally disagree on how to deal with a neighbor who has no boundaries. This guy has fallen on hard times and does virtually nothing to help himself. He has been offered jobs but doesn't take them. He wanders about almost like a homeless person except that he has lodging. He shows up at our door on a regular...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My mom keeps inviting my ex-husband to our family gatherings, even though I told her not to. She insists he is still a part of our family, especially since he and I have three children together. My ex-husband and I honestly aren't on great terms since our marriage ended due to him cheating on me, so I prefer not to see him at ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband recently screwed over his business partner by taking significantly more of the profit for himself. I feel so appalled this is the man I married. I knew my husband was ambitious and very competitive, but I never thought he would intentionally take advantage of someone he had built a business with. His business partner ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: Is it vain to dream of fame? For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of the glitz and glam synonymous with fame. The paparazzi, fans, money and endless opportunities entice me. I thought I would've outgrown this by college; however, I feel like my hunger and desire have only grown. I have started enacting plans to reach the...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My younger sister admitted to me that she is jealous of me and has spent her whole life trying to live up to my name. I will admit that I have been successful in life, but not without hard work. I create documentaries and have been able to travel all around the world for them. My sister works a regular 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job and ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: Last week, I surprised a friend of mine on her birthday because I hadn't heard from her in a couple of months. I am so glad I showed up when I did, because it seems like she needed some love. I tried to conceal my shock, but upon entry to her apartment, it was complete chaos -- clothes, groceries, empty food containers, dishes ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: While my friend and I were walking, we found a wallet on the ground. My friend's first instinct was to steal the cash inside instead of trying to get it back to the owner. She is a 40-year-old woman with a well-paying job. I was shocked because I have known her for more than a decade and never would have expected her to react ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My 14-year-old brother wants to live with me instead of our parents, and I'm seriously considering it. My brother and I are 20 years apart in age, and I have been out of the house for years now and have been able to secure a good life for myself. I have a good job, a husband and a cute Pomeranian puppy, so I have the means to be ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: For the first time in a long time, I am in a steady romantic relationship. I haven't done much dating since my last relationship four years ago. I've been dating this current guy for three months. At first, I was a bit skeptical, but I have since warmed up to him, so much so that my friends have noticed an undeniable difference ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I just threw a birthday party for my daughter. She's turning 11, and I invited a few of her friends and our family to celebrate her at a "Moana"-themed party. The party was held at my mother-in-law's house, which irritated my mother, who said she feels uncomfortable going to my children's other grandma's house. I explained to her...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a nanny, and I lost track of the child I was watching while we were in the library. I told the parents about it because I wanted to be transparent, and they fired me. They said this incident made them lose trust in me and my capabilities to watch their child. It has been hard to find another nanny job, because they won't ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a college student in New York City, and I work part-time for a beauty store that carries dozens of brands. A brand owner and CEO came into my boutique the other day and spoke with both me and my manager. I jokingly told the owner that if he ever needs a marketing intern to let me know, and we exchanged information. When he ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I went out shopping yesterday, and I ended up in a huge fight with my husband -- but not for the reasons you think. My husband started a new job recently. His previous job called for him to be in a uniform almost always, but this new role calls for business casual attire. Based on what I've been seeing him put on in his first few...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter is dating a man who is 17 years older than her, and I am livid. I told her that neither of them is likely in the relationship for honest reasons as he is a wealthy man and she is in her mid-20s.

I don't want to meet this man, but my daughter wants me to. She insists that I am judging their relationship before I've ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My son is having a difficult time finding a job after graduating with his computer science degree. He graduated last May and still hasn't been able to land a job after applying to more than 400 job postings. He has been beside himself with anxiety, stress and embarrassment. Not being able to find a job has heavily affected his ...Read more