DEAR HARRIETA: I grew up in a house full of guys. I have four brothers who did a lot of barbarism. Also, my dad had a huge presence in the home.
I have a boyfriend who is the opposite of them. He is sensitive and thoughtful. As much as I love my family, I would never say they are sensitive. My boyfriend cries when we watch certain movies or when sad things happen. I like that about him.
But it leaves him vulnerable when he is around my family. They constantly punctuate it and tease it because it’s “soft”. When I tell them how much I like them and that I appreciate that softer side, they laugh at me.
How can I get my family to welcome him when he is so different from them? Frankly, they can be harassers.
Stop bullying my man
DEAR STOP BULLYING MY MAN: Your boyfriend will need to cut a level of comfort with your family. You can’t do it for him.
He doesn’t have to become a bully himself or try to be different from what he is, but he does have to establish his own space among the boys. I guess he’ll have to be able to ignore them, divert their teasing, and stand firm.
What you can do is make sure you clearly communicate to your family how busy you are. You should also ignore their jokes. If you do not add fuel to this fire, it may decrease.
DEAR HARRIETA: I’m sick of wearing a mask every time I go outside. I thought COVID-19 would already be managed. It’s been almost a year and I’ve had it. I want to go back to my old life.
Also, I learned that a woman I know took COVID even after wearing a mask. What sense does it make?
I think I just want to live my life and see what happens. I am young and healthy. I want to see my friends and take off that mask. Since I haven’t gotten sick yet, I think it should be good. Do you think I’m stupid? I don’t think I’m reckless. I just want to get back to my usual life.
There are no more masks
DON’T LOVE MY MASK: It is entirely understandable that he is exhausted by the pandemic and the recommendations to stay safe.
We are all tired. However, more than 400,000 Americans have died from COVID-19, including many healthy young people. It’s real and it still doesn’t go away. Your friend who had the virus while wearing a mask demonstrates the danger of the disease. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends several measures: wearing a covered face, staying 6 feet apart, and washing your hands constantly. They also suggest that you do not meet indoors whenever possible.
You should continue to follow these guidelines, even if it is frustrating. We don’t know how long this will last, but it won’t be forever.
The vaccine should help us dramatically once there are enough people able to get it. Be patient. Distance visit with loved ones.
Follow President Biden’s request to disguise his first 100 days. Is it worth it.
Harriette Cole is a life stylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to [email protected] or Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.