Numb limbs often result of sleep position

Dear Doctors: My wife often wakes up with one of her arms completely numb. As feeling returns, she experiences excruciating pain. Could this be due to her sleeping position, or does it suggest a problem with the nerves, neck or shoulder? Is there a way to prevent it?

Ghosted reader misses situationship

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently was in a relationship with a boy who was never officially my boyfriend. However, we went on dates almost every week and often hung out. We progressed like this for three months until he went radio silent.

Sibling worried brother will flake on new job

DEAR HARRIETTE: My brother is moving to rural Vietnam for a year to teach English, and I don’t think this is a good idea. My brother can’t stick to any commitment to save his life, and this experience doesn’t seem like it is likely to go any differently.

Sharing lives, sharing gut microbiomes

Dear Doctors: I was at a wedding where, in his toast, the best man said that as well as a home, the couple would be sharing their gut bacteria. They’re all biologists, so it seemed like an inside joke.When I asked him, he said no, it’s actually true. Really? Do couples start to share gut bacteria?

DO JUST ONE THING

• You can make your home feel significantly cooler even if you don’t have air conditioning.

Great-aunt’s health causes desire to reunite

DEAR HARRIETTE: My great-aunt is in heart failure and was told she has less than a year to live. Growing up, we had an amazing relationship and she introduced me, as a little gay boy, to makeup and cosmetics; she would paint my nails and let me play with her makeup.

DO JUST ONE THING

• Before you hit record, consider whether a photo might tell the story just as well. Videoheavy social platforms require enormous amounts of data storage and streaming power, which translates into a significant carbon footprint.

Husband forgets 20th anniversary

DEAR HARRIETTE: My husband forgot our 20-year wedding anniversary, and I’ve been sobbing about it for a whole week. I planned a surprise romantic dinner for us, and I got him a really nice watch that he has been eyeing for a while. He, however, had nothing planned for me and no gift awaiting me.

Lifestyle changes can help gut microbiome

Dear Doctors: I just finished a tough year in grad school, and my diet hasn’t been that great. I know your gut microbiome has a lot to do with good health, and I want to get mine into better shape. I’m thinking about probiotic capsules, but it’s confusing. How do you know which ones to take?

Boyfriend erupts over small favors

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been dating my boyfriend for six months.Most of the time, he is a really great guy. He takes me out on thoughtful dates and is a great communicator.