DO JUST ONE THING

• Among the most annoying things when painting a room are all of the drips along the edges of the can. It can become extremely messy and make it difficult to reseal the can when you’re finished. To prevent drips, do this: Stretch a rubber band over the paint and across the center of the opening.

Train mix-up makes friend late for plans

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friends and I made plans to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art last weekend to visit the rooftop before it closed (not just for the season, but for the next five years due to upcoming renovations).

Presidency remade in Trump’s image

Abraham Lincoln made the presidency a pulpit. Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt transformed the office into an engine of big government. John F. Kennedy made it a platform of inspiration.

Use DASH diet to increase potassium

Dear Doctors: I am interested in the DASH diet you mentioned recently.Could you list some of the types of vegetables and fruits that are rich in potassium and the amount needed daily to meet the potassium requirements?

Group chat argument spreads to real life

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend is upset with me because I didn’t defend her during a heated argument in a group chat with some of our mutual friends. I didn’t feel I should get involved. The conversation had escalated quickly, and I thought it was better to stay neutral.

Washington suffers from Trust Deficit

As the government shutdown approaches the longest in history – 35 days during Donald Trump’s first term – one word explains the dynamic and duration of the paralysis: trust. Washington today suffers from a Trust Deficit.

Our place just keeps getting better and better

Sometimes I think we should stay someplace fancier. All our friends do. When my husband, Peter, and I are in Mexico, we stay at Casa de los Soles, a small group of apartment-style rooms owned by our gracious landlord, Jorge.

Seasoned therapist feels burnt out at work

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve been a therapist for over 20 years, and while I’ve found deep meaning in helping others heal, lately the work has become emotionally exhausting. I listen to people’s pain all day, and I can feel it sinking into me.

Have eating plan before holiday gatherings

ASK THE DOCTORSDear Doctors: We have young kids, so our holiday party season starts right around Halloween. I just turned 40, and I’ve noticed it’s getting harder to lose the weight I gain this time of year.It’s only around a pound, but it’s adding up.

Landlord darkens apartment experience

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve been living in my apartment for over a year, and I really love it: the location, the space, my neighbors and the fact that the rent is so cheap. The only problem is my landlord. Every time I submit a maintenance request, it takes weeks for anything to get fixed.