DEAR HARRIETTE: I grew up in a house full of boys. I have four brothers who were loud and boisterous. In addition, my father was very present in the household.
I have a friend who is the opposite of them. He is sensitive and thoughtful. As much as I love my family, I would never call them sensitive. My boyfriend cries when we watch certain movies or when sad things happen. I like this about him.
But it makes him vulnerable when he’s with my family. They constantly poke at him and tease him for being ‘soft’. When I’ve told them how much I love him and that I appreciate that softer side, they laugh at me.
How can I get my family to welcome him when he is so different from them? Frankly, they could be bullies.
Stop bullying my husband
BEST STOP BULLYING MY MAN: Your friend will have to fend for himself with your family. You cannot do this for him.
He doesn’t have to become a bully himself or try to be different than he is, but he does have to create his own space between the boys. I suspect he should be able to ignore them, avert their taunts and stand his ground.
What you can do is make it clear to your family how much you care. You too should ignore their jibes. If you don’t add fuel to that fire, it can decrease.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m tired of wearing a mask every time I go out. I thought COVID-19 would be dealt with now. It’s been almost a year and I’ve had it. I want my old life back.
Plus, I learned that a woman I know caught COVID even after wearing a mask, so what’s the point?
I think I just want to live my life and see what happens. I am young and healthy. I want to see my friends and take this mask off. Since I haven’t gotten sick yet, I think I should be good. Do you think I am stupid? I have no intention of being reckless. I just want my normal life back.
No more mask
BEST NO MORE MASK: It is completely understandable that you are exhausted by the pandemic and the recommendations for staying safe.
We are all tired. And yet more than 400,000 Americans have died of COVID-19, including many young, healthy people. It’s real, and it’s not going away yet. Your friend who contracted the virus while wearing a mask proves how dangerous the disease is. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends several measures: wear a face cover, stay six feet apart, and wash your hands constantly. They also suggest that you don’t gather in enclosed areas as much as possible.
You should continue to follow these guidelines, even if it is frustrating. We don’t know how long this will take, but it won’t be forever.
The vaccine should help us dramatically if enough people have been able to get it. Be patient. Remote visit with loved ones.
Follow President Biden’s request to mask his first 100 days. It is worth the effort.
Harriette Cole is a lifestyle list and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send inquiries to [email protected] or c / o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.