Friends don’t see eye to eye on family support

DEAR HARRIETTE: One of my closest friends recently tore me apart, citing the stark differences in our lifestyles and how we were raised.

Clinical trials are used to advance medicine

Dear Doctors: I have been following your column for a few years now, and clinical trials get mentioned a lot. I know they are used to make sure that a new drug is safe, but other than that, I'm not sure what they are. What exactly is a clinical trial, and how does it work?

Shopper judged for simple clothing choices

DEAR HARRIETTE: Recently, I went to a high-end store wearing a simple dress, and I noticed that the sales lady did not seem eager to assist me. Despite politely requesting help, I was largely ignored while other customers who were dressed in more extravagant clothing were approached immediately.

How much money is really enough?

Donald Trump is raising money like crazy. Joe Biden just got a pledge of more than $1 billion from progressive groups. Almost every day, news outlets report more money flowing to the two candidates.

TODAY IN HISTORY

In 1830, the Book of Mormon went on sale at a bookstore in Palmyra, N.Y.In 1979, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin signed the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty during a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The futility of banning TikTok

With hefty bipartisan backing, the House has passed a bill that would force Tik Tok – the wildly popular Chinese-owned social media app – to sell out or face a ban. Normally, a measure that commands that kind of support makes sense. This one does not, and it should die in the Senate.

Living with a cat brings challenges

We have had our adopted Mexican street cat, Felix, for a month now. “Has he bulked out?” I asked my husband, Peter, as we watched Felix, standing on his back legs and walloping the tattered mouse hanging from his sisal scratching post.

Unimpressed with unemployed boyfriend

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve been dating my boyfriend for eight months, and I think he might be the one I want to marry. I am 32 years old, and it feels well past due. My family, however, doesn’t approve of him at all.

Pinched nerve can impact quality of life

Dear Doctors: I have developed pain in my right hip that runs down my thigh and calf. An orthopedic specialist who looked at my scans says it may be a pinched nerve. But my physical therapist says it is inflammation. Can it be both? Is there a solution?

Company executive yells at intern

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am doing an internship at an energy company, and I am working on a solo project. I have been taking my time because this is my first internship, and I want to make a good impression.