Teenage daughter wants to study abroad

DEAR HARRIETTE: My 16-year-old daughter wants to participate in a summer study abroad program, and while I want to support her, I can’t shake my concerns. She’s never lived away from home before, and the idea of her being in another country without me nearby feels like a big leap for both of us.

Grateful to be part of Sharon’s book club

Iwas never a part of any team. I was terrible at sports. I was so bad at tennis in high school that my gym teacher sent me to the school nurse to have my vision checked. I didn’t bother to tell her I was wearing contact lenses. In elementary school, I was never asked to jump rope.

Woman spreads details about friend’s relationship

DEAR HARRIETTE: Last weekend, I went to a gathering at my friend’s house. While there, one of the people present asked how I’ve been, since she’d heard I was going through a rough time.

Hydration lowers kidney stone development

Dear Doctors: I recently passed a kidney stone. How likely am I to have a recurrence? I have been drinking more water as recommended, sometimes I eat fish but never red meat or poultry, and I get plenty of fruit and vegetables. Also, do I really have to avoid nuts and peanut butter?

DO JUST ONE THING

• A lot of people like to add white vinegar to the automatic dishwasher to help boost its cleaning power and leave dishes and cups sparkling clean. The only issue with using vinegar is this: It’s a strong acid that can degrade the rubber gaskets inside your dishwasher over time.

Adding turkey tail mushrooms to regimen

Dear Doctors: Turkey tail mushrooms seemed to help my dad through Stage 4 lung cancer, so I am wondering about their use in laryngeal cancer. Could it be a supportive therapy when paired with conventional therapies? I can’t find much information on them for that specific cancer.

Reader wants to let down beau gently

DEAR HARRIETTE: For the past few months, I’ve been seeing this guy, going on a few dates and hanging out with him in social settings. Lately, there have been a lot of things going on in my personal life with my family, and I don’t think I’m in the right headspace to be there for him.

Life is short, so celebrate when you can

Last week, we went out to celebrate with my oldest and most curmudgeonly friend, Andrew.Andrew is a tax preparer, so even if I hadn’t been in Mexico for the last three months, I still would not have seen much of him.

Soon-to-be uncle wants to build relationship

DEAR HARRIETTE: My sister just announced she is having twins. Growing up, I was always close to my siblings, although we are all different ages. There have been times when they were there when I needed them and vice versa.

Friction arises taking in unemployed sister

DEAR HARRIETTE: My sister lost her job six months ago and hasn’t been able to find a new one. She worked in tech for 10 years at some great companies, but she hasn’t found any success.