In 1901, Britain’s Queen Victoria died at age 81, after a then-record 63-year reign.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I think my wife is having bladder issues, but I imagine that may be a sensitive topic, so I’m not sure how to bring it up. Over the past year or so, I’ve noticed a change in how frequently she needs to use the restroom and the urgency she experiences. There have also been some instances where it seems like she didn’t make it to a restroom in time. For example, sometimes she’ll run into the house from running errands, but I can see that she’s already leaked a bit (or more than a bit). I don’t want to embarrass her by pointing out something that she may already feel insecure about, but I do want her to know that some of these changes come with age and are nothing to be ashamed of. I’ve looked up some solutions (like adult diapers or incontinence underwear), but I’m not sure of the best way to share them with my wife without bruising her ego.
Dear Doctors: I had to take antibiotics recently, and I want to help my gut microbiome recover. My doctor said instead of taking probiotics, I should eat a lot of high-fiber foods. I was surprised when she said using herbs and spices can also help gut diversity. I would like to know more about this.
For the most part, I congratulate myself on being relatively competent at managing technology. I don’t have an overwhelming fear of learning new apps or platforms and have even caught myself feeling a little smug when others profess terror at the prospect of updating their website or mastering a new program.
DEAR HARRIETTE: Last year, I helped my close friend through a tough time when she was struggling financially and feeling lonely, but now that she’s in a better situation, she has completely stopped talking to me. I was not only a friend who was there for her emotionally, I also supported her financially. She had recently gotten divorced and lost her job, so I sent her money to help pay her rent, with no expectation that she would pay me back. I also spent a lot of time helping her look for jobs. She landed a well-paying job through a connection of mine, and she is now also dating again. As a result of her newfound success, she doesn’t care to talk to me anymore. It feels like she used me when she needed help, and now that her life has improved, she has forgotten about me. I’m hurt and confused, and I don’t know if I should confront her, let her go or try to be understanding. Was I ignorant to be so generous, or is this just part of friendship sometimes? How do I move forward without feeling bitter? – Forgotten DEAR FORGOTTEN: Try to separate your feelings of abandonment from this friend and what you did for her. Since you wanted to support her financially and also help her get a job, allow those things to sit without judgment around them. You helped her to the best of your ability during a tough time.
In 1773, Captain James Cook and his crew became the first to sail south of the Antarctic Circle. In 1893, the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown by a group of U.S.backed businessmen.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently welcomed my adult son into my home. I didn’t know him as he was growing up; I learned about him when he was already 18, and since then we’ve stayed in touch through visits, calls and texts. When his mother passed away, he asked to move in with me. My wife and daughters supported the decision, and he’s been living with us for about a year now. He’s 25, has a steady job and is even considering school, which I’m proud of.







