Teenager Lies About Making Long Drive
DEAR HARRIETTE: During July 4th weekend, my 16-year-old daughter went up to her best friend's cabin. I was under the impression that her parents were going to drive my daughter and her friend there since it's a four-hour drive and both girls have had their licenses for only a few months. Instead, my daughter's friend drove her up to the cabin. My husband and I weren't ever asked if this was OK; my daughter lied to her friend's parents and said we agreed to this plan.
I didn't find out about the drive until after they had already arrived safely. When I called to check in, my daughter casually mentioned that her friend had driven the entire way. I was shocked and immediately called the other parents, who were just as surprised as me. They said my daughter assured them that we had given permission, so they didn't think there was a problem. Thankfully, nothing happened and they made it there safely, but I can't stop thinking about what could have gone wrong. Am I overreacting or is this a breach of my trust? -- Teenagers
DEAR TEENAGERS: In some states, it is illegal for teenagers to drive other teenagers without an adult in the car. There are also restrictions on driving at night. Check the rules where you live. It's odd to me that this friend's parents didn't check in with you about the trip, and, more, that they allowed their daughter to make that long drive. You are not wrong in being alarmed. Make it clear to your daughter and her friend's parents that your daughter cannot do that again.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My roommate recently got a puppy, but she never checked in with me to see if it was OK. I am not a fan of dogs -- especially having one living in my house. He isn't potty trained, so feces is being left all over the house. He also barks all the time for no reason, even in the middle of the night.
When we first moved in together, my roommate and I agreed that any major decisions involving the apartment would be discussed beforehand. I consider bringing a pet into a shared living space to be one of those decisions, especially since both of us pay equal rent. Instead, she surprised me by walking through the front door one evening with a puppy and acted like it wasn't a big deal. She told me I would "fall in love with him eventually," but that hasn't happened. Beyond the barking and accidents, I feel like I've lost the peaceful home I signed up for. The apartment constantly smells like pet odor, and I find myself cleaning up messes that aren't mine because I don't want to live in a dirty environment. I also work from home several days a week, and the barking has made it difficult to concentrate during meetings. Do you think that I could ask her to get rid of the dog or move out? -- No Puppies Allowed
DEAR NO PUPPIES ALLOWED: Check your lease to see whether you can push back legally against the dog. Give your roommate an ultimatum: attend to the dog much more, give the dog away or move. Ask your landlord to back you up if needed. You can point to the unhealthy conditions as evidence.
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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 toaskharriette@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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