Reader Wants To Support Black-Owned Businesses
DEAR HARRIETTE: I consider myself to be very pro-Black and pro-Black advancement. One of the ways I try to show my investment in my community is by buying and shopping Black. I specifically enjoy going to Black-owned establishments like bars and restaurants. I have a friend who sees this as an inconvenience and does not understand the importance of shopping Black. They say they have had negative experiences at Black-owned establishments when it comes to the quality of service. I feel like we are conditioned to be more sensitive to the shortcomings of some Black-owned businesses when we also have negative experiences at other restaurants that do not receive the same criticism. I'm not sure how to politely disagree on a topic that is so important to me. Do you have any tips for having difficult conversations about important topics like this? -- Buy Black
DEAR BUY BLACK: I understand your perspective -- and your friend's. First, historically, it has been the practice of various ethnic groups to circulate at least some of their dollars within their community. Look at the Chinatowns of the country as well as Jewish, Indian and Italian communities as examples. By consciously spending money within your community, you help to fortify it. That doesn't mean that you have to support every business, especially if some offer poor service, but if you consider a business to be "part of the family," you may also want to say something to the proprietor about upping the service. If you take a stake in the business, you may help it to flourish.
To your friend's point, if a business is not treating its customers well, either say something or don't go there -- and definitely not with someone who is going to complain.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm at the point in my career where I can work mostly from home. I still work 9 to 5, five days a week. This allows for much more flexibility; however, it does come with its own issues. Because I am not physically leaving my house, those around me feel as though I am not really working. Throughout the day, I am constantly interrupted, and after work I'm not expected to be as tired as anyone else. I experience this most from my husband, who expects me to have helpful energy after a day of work simply because I didn't have the same commute as him. This triggers deeper emotions of not feeling seen or valued, and it is causing us to argue almost every day. I feel like I shouldn't have to explain that I'm tired after work since he should be able to sympathize. How do I get him to understand that my work is draining, too? -- Stressed From Home
DEAR STRESSED FROM HOME: Maybe you need to vary your routine. When you have finished your workday, go out for a bit. Ideally, you can go to a scheduled class that requires you to be somewhere. An exercise class or walking group would be great. Don't be home to have to listen to any of the buzz that upsets you. Come back on your own terms with energy to tackle whatever is next.
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(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.)
Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole
COPYRIGHT 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.
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