DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve observed that I find it challenging to cope with criticism, particularly in my professional sphere, even when it’s meant to be constructive. How can I cultivate a more resilient approach to feedback, effectively separating personal emotions from my professional development? I’m eager to understand how to view criticism as a valuable tool for improvement rather than allowing it to demotivate me. — Welcoming Feedback
Dear Doctors: It's a tradition in my husband's family to start the new year with a dip in the ocean. We live in Maryland, so that means it's freezing cold. I see on social media that doing a cold plunge is now a craze. Is it true what they're saying, that it's good for you?
DEAR HARRIETTE: How do I, while in a heterosexual romantic relationship, manage and nurture healthy opposite-sex friendships without causing discomfort or misunderstandings with my partner? Are there specific boundaries or communication approaches I can adopt to maintain trust and ensure mutual comfort in such situations? — Establishing Friendships DEAR ESTABLISHING FRIENDSHIPS: It’s all about honesty and trust.
• Do your kitchen or bathroom drains have an unpleasant scent? Instead of dumping chlorine bleach down the drain to neutralize it, pour in regular salt as a nontoxic solution.
No wonder Trump won't show up on a debate stage. He's gotten to where he can barely keep it together in front of the adoring throngs at his campaign rallies. Somewhat smaller throngs, it must be said — but, hey, it's January, and everybody's seen The Trump Show many times by now.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm 32 years old and have recently shifted to a remote work setup for the first time in my career.
ASK THE DOCTORS
The circus has left town. No more walks down Main Street, no more visits to veterans' halls, no more fables about lessons candidates learned while talking to people in community centers in small towns. But for all the divisiveness and all the invective, New Hampshire's primary gave clarity to two things that will shape the campaign in the year ahead.
DEAR HARRIETTE: Several students in my daughter's school have died by suicide in the past two years. Now we are hearing of college presidents and other professionals who are taking their lives. This trend is frightening. Though I can turn off the news at home, my daughter is still aware of these tragedies. I am so worried for her and her friends.
My husband, Peter, and I are headed out to Mexico again, and before we do, I thought it was a good time of year to check in with some folks I care about, to see how 2024 had been treating them so far.