DEAR HARRIETTA: I grew up in a house full of boys. I have four brothers who were loud and strong. In addition, my father had a huge presence in the household.
I have a boyfriend who is the opposite of them. He is sensitive and attentive. No matter how much 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 that about him.
But it leaves him vulnerable when he’s around my family. I constantly hit him and tease him because he is “soft”. When I tell them how much I like him and that I appreciate that softer part, they laugh at me.
How can I get my family to meet him when he is so different from them? Honestly, they can be bullied.
Stop bullying My Man
Dear STOP BULLYING MAN: Your boyfriend will have to search for a level of comfort with your family. You can’t do this for him.
He must not become an aggressor himself or try to be different than he is, but he must establish his own space among boys. I guess I’ll have to ignore them, divert their taunts and stand up.
What you can do is make sure you clearly tell your family how much you care about him. And you should ignore their mistakes. If you don’t add fuel to that fire, it can go away.
DEAR HARRIETTA: I’m tired of wearing a mask every time I go out. I thought COVID-19 would be managed by now. It’s been almost a year and I’ve had it. I want my old life back.
In addition, I found out 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 off this mask. Since I haven’t gotten sick yet, I think I should be good. Do you think I’m stupid? I don’t mean to be reckless. I just want my regular life back.
There is no more mask
YOU DON’T KNOW THE MASK ANYMORE: It is understandable that you are exhausted by the pandemic and the recommendations to keep you safe.
We are all tired. And yet, more than 400,000 Americans have died from COVID-19, including many healthy young people. It’s real and it still doesn’t go away. Your friend who caught the virus while wearing a mask is proof of how dangerous the disease is. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends several measures: wearing a face covering the face, standing 6 feet apart and constantly washing hands. He also suggests that you do not gather indoors whenever possible.
You should continue to follow these instructions, 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 once enough people have managed to get it. Be patient. Remote visit with loved ones.
Follow President Biden’s request to disguise himself in his first 100 days. It’s worth it.
Harriette Cole is a life stylist and the founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative that helps people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to [email protected] or Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.