DEAR HARRIETTE: My household had a giant gathering at Christmas, and we exchanged a whole lot of presents. In the long run, although, I observed that my 8-year-old niece received fewer presents than the remainder of the youngsters.
I may inform that she felt uncomfortable about that. It’s not that I feel each little one ought to get precisely the identical variety of packages, nevertheless it was apparent that many relations didn’t take into consideration her and as a substitute showered the opposite children with a lot of stuff.
She ended up retreating to a nook of the home and never participating a lot with the opposite kids despite the fact that they’re all cousins and shut in age.
How can I handle this in order that it doesn’t occur once more?
— Quick Shrift
DEAR SHORT SHRIFT: Communicate to the opposite adults within the household and share your commentary.
Be particular in regards to the division of presents since they in all probability didn’t concentrate. Notice that it is very important keep away from enjoying favorites among the many kids.
In fact, mother and father are anticipated to bathe extra presents upon their very own kids, however at group vacation gatherings, it’s form and considerate to contemplate all the kids and guarantee that all of them really feel liked and seen.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My greatest buddy and I’ve been shut since highschool; nonetheless, just lately it looks like she’s began to ghost me.
She doesn’t reply my calls anymore, and when she does reply to my texts, her replies are brief and obscure, as if she doesn’t actually need to discuss to me.
We reside in several states now, which makes it more durable to remain linked. I can’t simply drop by to examine on her, and that distance makes this example much more painful.
The final time we talked in particular person, she appeared to be in good spirits, however she did open up about struggling together with her psychological well being. I advised her I used to be there for her it doesn’t matter what, however now I’m questioning if I did or mentioned one thing incorrect, or if she’s pulling away as a result of she’s coping with issues I don’t totally perceive.
I miss her a lot, and I hate feeling like our friendship is slipping away. On the similar time, I don’t need to stress her if she’s going by way of one thing powerful. I simply don’t know tips on how to attain out in a means that reveals I care with out making her really feel overwhelmed.
Ought to I give her house and watch for her to come back to me, or ought to I preserve making an attempt to achieve out and let her know I’m right here?
— Besties
DEAR BESTIES: Write your buddy a letter and inform her how a lot you miss her. Inform her you don’t need to lose your shut bond despite the fact that you now not reside in the identical city.
Add that you simply hope that if she wants something, she is going to attain out to you or to another person. Remind her that she is just not alone.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founding father of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to assist folks entry and activate their goals. You may ship questions toaskharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas Metropolis, MO 64106.
