Reader Wants To Stop Being Forgetful
DEAR HARRIETTE: I went to Ariana Grande's concert at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. I had an amazing time at the concert, especially since she's my favorite singer of all time. As a result of my excitement, I felt the need to purchase a $50 T-shirt. When leaving the concert, I made it all the way out of the arena before realizing I left the shirt I just bought at my seat. I ran back into the building, but I was stopped by security. After explaining the situation to security, they kindly escorted me back into the building and I was able to retrieve the shirt.
I'm extremely grateful that I was able to get the shirt back, but I am embarrassed and mad at myself for forgetting in the first place. Do you have any advice for me on how to be less forgetful and not lose things? I feel like stuff like this constantly happens to me. -- Forgetful Fan
DEAR FORGETFUL FAN: Let's start with how fortunate you were to be able to retrieve your purchase -- I'm so happy for you that your shirt was still there and nobody swiped it. That's awesome.
As far as forgetfulness goes, you may want to put some checklists in place, especially when you are excited. Make a mental list -- or even write one down or type a note in your phone -- of what you have to do in any given situation, and then go through the list before transitioning to something else. At the concert, for example, before leaving you should go through a list of checking for your bag, your cellphone, your wallet, your keys and your purchases. Do the same before any transitional moment so that you keep yourself in order.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I think I may be dating two men who share mutual friends, and I'm not sure how to handle it. I've been up-front that I'm dating casually and not ready for exclusivity -- I'm still figuring out what I want and who feels like the right fit. Recently, after exchanging social media information, I realized that two men I've really been enjoying seem to move in overlapping circles. They don't appear to be friends, but they may know of each other. I've been honest that I'm seeing other people, but this feels a bit closer than I expected. I haven't been physically intimate with either of them beyond kissing, so it doesn't feel like I've crossed a line. Still, I'm wondering if I should disclose this connection out of transparency. At the same time, I worry that saying something could cost me both relationships before I've had the chance to decide. What do you suggest? How can I protect my interests while still being respectful to these two gentlemen? -- Mutual Friends
DEAR MUTUAL FRIENDS: You need to decide which one of these guys you like. It will be awkward and potentially embarrassing if either finds out about the other. Yes, you have told them you aren't exclusive with them, but you all will feel some kind of way if they find out. Do yourself a favor and choose which one -- if either -- you would like to explore more of a relationship with, and stop seeing the other one.
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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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