Elizabeth Ko, M.D.

Dear Doctors: I’ve read that people who gain weight during the holidays often don’t manage to lose it again. Is that right? In the last few years, it has happened to me. I have several Christmas parties on my calendar, and I am looking for tips on how not to gain weight but still have fun.

Roommate drags friend into conflict

DEAR HARRIETTE: My roommate and his girlfriend constantly bicker, and I always end up being dragged into the middle of their arguments. It’s frustrating because I feel like I’m being forced to pick sides when I don’t even want to be involved at all. To make matters worse, I can’t help but feel bad for his girlfriend because, frankly, my roommate is wrong most of the time. He’s selfish, dismissive of her feelings and stingy when it comes to sharing expenses or treating her to a nice date. I can tell she’s unhappy with how he treats her, but for some reason, she stays with him.

In 1877, the first edition of The Washington Post was published.

Elizabeth Ko, M.D.

Dear Doctors: I’m a 68-year-old man who cannot remember the last time I awoke in the morning feeling fully rested. My friends laugh and say those days are long gone for people our age. Is this true? I have decent sleep habits in that I’m in bed reading by 9 p.m. and the lights are out by 11 p.m.

Shy reader contemplates taking next step

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been friends with this guy for two years, and over time, I’ve started to feel like our connection might be more than just friendship. He’s always been kind, thoughtful and supportive, and I really enjoy spending time with him. Lately, I’ve caught myself looking at him differently and wondering if he feels the same way about me. There are little moments – like when we lock eyes, share a laugh or have deeper conversations – that make me think he might like me as more than just a friend, too.

DO JUST ONE THING

• It might be shiny, sparkly and fun, but glitter is also well known for getting everywhere, and it’s an ecological problem.

Emotional attachments hinders decluttering

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been trying to declutter my home for months, focusing on makeup, dresses and other items that no longer serve a purpose, but I keep getting stuck. Every time I start sorting through my belongings, I find myself emotionally attached to certain things, even though they’re no longer necessary.

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