Sister grows distant after gripe session

DEAR HARRIETTE: I spent time with my sister recently and unloaded on her all about my troubles at home with my husband. She listened for a while, but then I noticed that she wanted to change the subject. I was so upset that I kept going anyway. I needed to get things off my chest.

Facts on holiday rumors surprising

I have been studying up on frightening holiday rumors and found some surprises.There is apparently no evidence that any child has ever been poisoned by a Halloween treat. IThis is according to The New York Times, which investigated it.

Unknowingly a part of the problem

The world – including right here in Clinton – has people who are unknowingly a part of the problem while thinking they are part of the solution.

Prolonged use of baby aspirin

Dear Doctors: The recommendation against taking a daily baby aspirin seems to pit heart disease prevention against bleeding risk. But it doesn't include aspirin's potential benefits in colon cancer reduction. How should people factor in the colon cancer benefit? Who makes these recommendations?

New girlfriend hinting about engagement

DEAR HARRIETTE: My girlfriend is talking about marriage way too soon in our relationship. We've only been dating for five months. We are having a great time together – that's true. But everything is still new, and she already jokes about the engagement ring she wants.

Note to Dems: It’s not 2020 anymore

There’s been a lot of attention paid to President Joe Biden’s falling job approval rating. And it is indeed going down, down, down. But along with confidence in the president, the public is also losing faith in the Democratic Party’s ability to handle the issues that most concern voters today.

Valley fever result of fungus found in soil

Dear Doctors: I read that something called valley fever is getting to be more common here in Arizona on account of climate change. I’ve never even heard of it. Can you please explain what it is?

Parent worried marriage won’t survive

DEAR HARRIETTE: My son is applying for college this year and will likely go away to school next fall. I have prepared for this day for years. I know my job as a parent is to get him ready to be an independent adult. He is ready – but I don’t know if I am.

Baseball brings out best, worst

The World Series has come and gone again, evoking the usual mixed feelings. For one thing, I didn’t have a team this year, although I was pulling for Atlanta in honor of my friend Lauren, a serious Braves fan I pretty much talked into baseball when she was my student.

Friend wants to meet on her own terms

DEAR HARRIETTE: My best friend lives in East Los Angeles, and I live in the Valley. Whenever we hang out, she usually suggests that we do things on her side of town because the Valley "doesn't have a nightlife scene.