Hello, dear readers, and welcome to a bonus letters column. We’re thrilled to have an abundance of interesting mail. Let’s dive right in.
DEAR HARRIETTE: Recently, I saw that one of my cousins came out on social media. She posted herself and a partner kissing, and a lot of her friends were commenting, congratulating them and admiring their courage.
There’s something interesting going on in the continuing controversy over President Donald Trump’s anti-crime initiative in Washington, D.C.
Extreme partisanship started infecting American politics long before Donald Trump emerged, but the president’s unhinged desire for unlimited power is now driving the two-party system to the brink of all-out war.
I’ve been trying to meditate a bit more.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I work remotely, and while I’ve enjoyed the flexibility and freedom it provides, I’ve started to feel increasingly isolated and unmotivated. At first, it felt like a dream: no commute, more control over my schedule and the comfort of home. Lately, I’ve noticed that I’m missing the daily interactions, spontaneous conversations and overall sense of community that comes from being in a physical workspace. Most of my communication with co-workers is confined to emails or scheduled video calls, which makes it hard to feel connected to the team. I find myself feeling drained and uninspired, even though I still like the actual work I do. Some days, I barely speak to anyone at all, and I’ve started to worry that this lack of connection is taking a toll on my mental health and productivity.
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In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln prohibited Union states from trading with states that had seceded.
Dear Doctors: What are microplastics, and where do they come from? They’re all over the news, and it’s hard to tell if they’re a real problem or just another internet scare. One news story said there’s an entire teaspoonful of microplastics in our brains. Is this true?
DEAR HARRIETTE: I work in midtown Manhattan, and as you probably know, there was a mass shooting there recently. New York City is known for its chaos, but this still feels so unreal to me. I work in the building immediately next door to the one this gunman targeted. Luckily, I happened to leave work just early enough to avoid the awful experience that day, but for some reason, I am still rattled. I have had a really difficult time going back to my office. I feel uneasy and paranoid, if I’m being honest. As I commute into work, my mind races with panicked thoughts.