DO JUST ONE THING

• When you turn on the faucet to wash your hands or brush your teeth, do you turn it all the way on? When you don’t need the full force of maximum water pressure, consider lightly turning on the faucet to have less water flowing. You’ll use 30% to 50% less water this way.

Work-life balance proves difficult for new mom

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently returned to work after maternity leave, and I’m finding it difficult to focus.All I can think about is my baby, and it’s affecting my productivity and ability to be present at work.

Luxury apartment dweller has heat issues

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m currently living in a so-called “luxury” apartment that was built just last year, and I pay a significant amount of money in rent. Unfortunately, my room is absolutely freezing, and it’s making it nearly impossible to feel comfortable in my own home.

Traveling with Felix helps with anxiety

O ur cat, Felix, has turned into an excellent little traveler.“What do you do with your cat?” we are invariably asked when we tell people we are headed off to Mexico to spend the second half of the winter.“Oh! Felix is from Mexico,” my husband, Peter, tells them. “He’s just coming back with us!

Roommate annoyed by man’s nosiness

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a roommate who is incredibly nosy, and it’s driving me crazy. He’s always asking questions that are way too personal, and it’s starting to make me uncomfortable in my own home.

Cold weather exercising begins with preparation

Dear Doctors: Our family moved from Orlando, Florida, to Boston last fall.I’m going stir crazy in the winter weather and want to try hiking. As a native Floridian, I’m good with hot weather safety. What do I need to be watching out for with cold weather exercise?

Sitting by fireplace may cause health issues

Hello, dear readers, and welcome to a bonus letters column. Your questions and comments are keeping our inboxes busy (and as always, thank you!), so we’ll dive right in.– We recently discussed the health dangers of wildfire smoke.

Friend upset by man’s assumption of interest

DEAR HARRIETTE: A childhood friend of mine has been in a relationship for more than five years now. He and his partner live together and share a car, and he covers some of her expenses, etc. They are fully enthralled. But honestly, I get the sense that he was never truly fulfilled by his choice.

DO JUST ONE THING

• Do you want to prevent moths from destroying your clothes? The most important step is to make sure you vacuum regularly in your closet. Closets typically are dark and dusty, and moths and their larvae love these living conditions.

Employee wants to end things with co-worker

DEAR HARRIETTE: I made the mistake of getting involved with a co-worker.At first it seemed really harmless to me because we were accustomed to hanging out socially (mostly in groups after work). When he asked me on a date, it felt like a natural progression.