ArcaMax

DEAR HARRIETTE: One of my good friends has retreated completely. Last year her best friend passed away, and I think that loss is taking a major toll on her. At first, she was holding up all right, but now she doesn't really respond to me or any other friends. I don't think she's active physically or socially, aside from work. I know grief can be...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: Today I saw and smelled someone smoking crack on a subway platform near to where I was standing. I was stunned. I know it happens all around my city -- in theory -- but I've never truly witnessed it in real time, only the aftereffects of it. What could I have done in that moment to help that situation? The subway platform was ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've always admired public speakers. I have a desire to sit on a panel and share my thoughts, but a part of me struggles with courage, and another part of me questions the authenticity of this desire. Is it OK to aspire to be a speaker, or is that a role that should be granted to someone based on their professional or academic ...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: My family has never taken my acting career seriously, and it's starting to wear on me. I've been dedicated to acting for 15 years, performing in multiple plays and constantly working to improve my craft. However, I've never landed a leading role, and because of that, my family sees my passion as more of a hobby than a real career...Read more

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a friend who never tips when we go out to eat, and honestly, it's starting to bother me. I understand it a bit more when she's at a cafe and ordering at the counter, but even at full-service restaurants where the waitstaff is taking our orders, refilling our drinks and bringing out our food, she doesn't tip at all. I find ...Read more